Effects of alcohol

The effects of the alcohol (ethanol) on your body depend on the amount of alcohol in your blood (blood alcohol level). Factors that affect your blood alcohol level include the following:

How quickly your body metabolizes the alcohol
How strong the alcoholic drink is
How quickly you consume the alcoholic drink
How much food is in your stomach at the time you drink

Immediate effects

Initially when you drink alcohol, you experience a feeling of pleasure and relaxation. The more you drink, the higher your blood alcohol level becomes, and your body's reactions begin to slow down. You may experience slurred speech, inability to walk straight, and impaired judgement and co-ordination.

There are recommended guidelines for safe alcohol consumption. The more you drink above the recommended guidelines and the more often you do, the greater the health risks.

Short-term effects

Some of the effects on your health may include:

weight gain
mood and personality changes
drink-related accidents
feeling anxious
missing work due to hangovers, headaches
impotence
high blood pressure
memory loss
confusion, disorganisation

Long-term effects

major damage to the brain, the central nervous system, digestive system, heart and liver
increased risk of some forms of cancer
psychiatric problems
prone to depression