What are the effects of alcohol use

Short-term effects can include:

• Changes in mood and behavior: Euphoria, relaxation, impaired judgment, aggression, or depression.
• Physical effects: Slurred speech, poor coordination, blurred vision, drowsiness, and nausea.
• Cognitive impairment: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and slowed reaction times.
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Long-term effects from chronic heavy use can lead to:

• Alcohol dependence (addiction).
• Liver damage: Fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Cardiovascular problems: High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
• Pancreatitis.
• Increased risk of certain cancers: Mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon cancer.
• Neurological damage: Cognitive deficits, memory loss, and nerve damage.
• Mental health issues: Worsening of depression and anxiety, or development of new conditions.
• Weakened immune system.