Effects of alcoholism on the body and brain

As the number of people turning to alcohol each year continues to soar, the effects of alcoholism on the body and brain are becoming increasingly evident.

In 2019, the NHS published their annual report that delved into the statistics regarding alcoholism in England.  This report confirmed that over 300,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions had been noted in the twelve months.

Unintentional injuries made up 23% of hospital admissions. Meanwhile, 17% of admissions were for mental and behaviour disorders that had arisen due to the consumption of alcohol.

From social events to relieving stress, individuals from all walks of life turn to alcohol for various reasons.  Sadly, the number of people considering the consequences and effects of alcoholism on the body and brain continues to shrink.

Although many individuals do not realise it, alcohol addictions often arise from what was once irregular alcohol consumption and binge drinking.  In fact, within England, approximately 500,000 people have become dependent on alcohol.

These individuals turn to alcohol to navigate daily life and deal with any pre-existing mental health conditions that have arisen.

As alcohol has the same effects as a sedative, alcohol consumption enables them to block out negative emotions and lower the volume of the thoughts that preoccupy their minds.

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Irrespective of whether you drink alcohol moderately or heavily, as your body absorbs alcohol, it can cause you to experience various short-term side effects.

As you become intoxicated, the short-term effects that you are likely to experience include, but are not limited to;

–    Increased heart rate

–    Irregular heartbeat

–    Alcohol poisoning

–    Decreased body temperature

–    Fatigue

–    Muscle cramps

–    Sensations of numbness

–    Digestive system problems

–    Changes in appearance such as ale skin

While you may not necessarily believe that the short-term effects of alcohol on the body are severe, or life-threatening, over a more extended period, these effects can cause individuals to suffer from organ failure.

For those that are unfortunately battling alcohol addictions, alcohol consumption can have adverse long-term effects on the body.

While short term effects on the body are likely to subside within hours of alcohol being consumed, as touched on above, long-term effects of alcoholism on the body can lead to organ failure, diseases and a plethora of subsidiary long-term effects that are often irreversible.  These include, but are not limited to;

–   Thinning bones

–   Diabetes

–   Malnutrition

–   Infertility

–   Liver damage

–   Heart damage

–   Cancer

–   Pancreatitis

–   High blood pressure

–   Increased risk in suffering from strokes

–   Changes in physical appearance such as extreme weight loss

Effects of Alcohol on the Brain

While the effects of alcoholism on the body and the brain are equally as disastrous, it is arguable that the most significant effects felt are those that impact the brain.

Not only does alcoholism see individuals with an impaired judgement in the interim, but it can drastically reduce the brain’s ability to function in the long run.

Short term effects of alcohol on the brain can be felt almost instantly.  As alcohol is consumed, individuals begin to feel a somewhat pleasant buzz that takes them over.

Although this feeling can help many individuals relax and experience various pleasant short-term effects, including an increase in confidence, it comes hand-in-hand with psychological consequences that are often ignored. These consequences include, but are not limited to;

–   Poor judgement

–   Inability to concentrate

–   Nausea

–   Lack of coordination

–   Vision impairments

–   Changes in your behaviour

–   Slurred speech

–   Anxiety

–   Hangovers

–   Weakened memory

Although short-term effects of alcohol on the brain wear off within hours, long term effects of alcohol on the brain are significantly life-threatening.

Not only can consuming alcohol cause individuals to eventually become dependent on alcohol, but many will also endure various mental health disorders.

Supplementary long-term effects of alcohol on the brain include, but are not limited to;

–  Hallucinations

–  Impaired judgement

–  Inability to concentrate

–  Blackouts

–  Seizures

–  Damaged brain cells

–  Significant behavioural changes including mood swings

–  Increased likelihood of suffering from anxiety, depression and schizophrenia

In addition to the above long-term effects, excessive alcohol consumption will gradually reduce the brain’s ability to produce new cells.

The cells that a healthy brain produces are responsible for enhancing our ability to learn and harvest information, store memories and manage our emotions.

With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that over a prolonged period, alcohol consumption can lead to various neurological disorders that cause everlasting confusion and memory loss.

While many short-term effects of alcoholism on the body and brain can be reversed, the long-term impact that alcoholism has on the mind is often permanent.

Seeking Support for Alcoholism

If you have frequently begun to turn to alcohol and have noticed any of the short or long-term effects discussed above, we would advise you to reach out to us.

If you believe that you are suffering from an addiction, we would urge you to contact us as soon as possible.

Although you may have reservations about asking for support or admitting that you are dependent on alcohol, at Nova Recovery, our team are on hand to help you.

From detoxification to rehabilitation, as you enter our private rehab, you will have everything you need to overcome your addiction.

Not only will this free you of the weight that has crippled your life, but it will provide you with the ability to attempt to repair the effects of alcoholism on the body and brain.

Contact Us Today

If you are suffering from the effects of alcoholism, or an alcohol addiction, please take advantage of the help and support that we can offer.

As touched on throughout this article, the long-term effects of alcoholism on the body and brain are catastrophic.

Regardless of your location, if you have begun to notice changes in your physical or psychological health, call us today on 01475 303998.

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John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 8, 2023

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.