We've all probably heard that drinking too much alcohol can cause depression, dehydration and, in extreme cases, cirrhosis of the liver. Plus, let's not forget about the dreaded hangover and upset stomach. But the reality is that imbibing can bring on a host of other health issues you may not have considered.
Read more: 8 Reasons I Quit Drinking 16 Years Ago — and Never Went Back
And you don't even have to get wasted in order to experience these unsavory effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, it can take about a week to 10 days for the body to rid itself of all the toxins that alcohol creates. "Even if you're exercising and eating well, having one drink a night means that you're always carrying around damaging poisons in your system, keeping you feeling mediocre," says James Swanwick, creator of the 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge. Besides this general "meh" vibe, here are nine lesser-known effects of drinking that may make you think twice before heading to happy hour.