50 Pieces of Evidence by Onset Timeframe
Immediate Effects
Alcohol impairs motor coordination, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Alcohol can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening condition.
Alcohol use can contribute to poor wound healing and post-surgical complications.
Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns and can cause chronic insomnia.
Alcohol consumption can exacerbate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Alcohol use can exacerbate conditions like psoriasis.
Alcohol can increase the severity of acid reflux and heartburn.
Alcohol use increases the risk of developing gastrointestinal bleeding.
Short-term EffectsAlcohol contributes to weight gain and obesity due to its high calorie content.
Alcohol contributes to digestive problems, including gastritis and pancreatitis.
Alcohol can exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea and eczema.
Alcohol exacerbates mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Alcohol can lead to sexual dysfunction and reproductive health issues.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
Alcohol can disrupt hormone balance, affecting both male and female reproductive systems.
Alcohol use is a significant factor in many cases of workplace accidents and absenteeism.
Alcohol is a factor in many instances of domestic violence and social problems.
Long-term EffectsAlcohol is addictive.
Alcohol contributes to liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
Alcohol increases the risk of heart diseases.
Alcohol increases cancer risk, including liver, breast, and colorectal cancer.
Alcohol is linked to a higher risk of stroke.
Alcohol contributes to high blood pressure (hypertension).
Alcohol impairs memory and decision-making.
Alcohol can cause long-term brain damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Alcohol weakens your immune system.
Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.
Chronic alcohol use can disrupt normal bone metabolism, leading to osteoporosis.
Alcohol consumption can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle, known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Additional Long-term EffectsAlcohol use is associated with an increased risk of suicide and self-harm behaviors.
Alcohol accelerates the aging process of the skin and other organs.
Alcohol increases the risk of mouth, throat, and esophageal cancers.
Alcohol use can lead to neurological complications, such as peripheral neuropathy.
Alcohol can worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to an increased risk of pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Alcohol use exacerbates the severity of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of acute kidney injury.
Alcohol can impair the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, complicating diabetes management.
Chronic alcohol consumption can cause a condition called alcohol-induced myopathy, affecting muscle strength.
Very Long-term and Rare EffectsAlcohol is a risk factor for developing an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation.
Chronic alcohol use may lead to impaired adrenal gland function.
Alcohol increases the risk of periodontal disease and other oral health issues.
Alcohol can interact dangerously with a wide range of medications, including over-the-counter drugs.
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with diabetes.
Alcohol can induce a state of hyperglycemia in non-diabetics due to its impact on glucose metabolism.
Alcohol use may increase the risk of infectious diseases by impairing the body's ability to fight infections.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a higher risk of ear-nose-throat infections.
Alcohol use can contribute to a decline in overall dental health.
Alcohol can increase the risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases.