Alcohol consumption is so prevalent that many might not consider how even a single beer, cocktail, or glass of wine could impact their health. It’s common for friends to meet up for happy hour to catch up after a long week or have a glass of wine to unwind after a stressful day. We often see characters in movies and TV shows happily enjoying drinks — laughing, having fun, being carefree. Seeing people happy while drinking starts to look appealing. Alcohol is also deeply embedded in cultural traditions worldwide — think about New Year’s Eve — however, it’s also a drug that chemically alters the mind and body with serious short- and long-term effects.
How Alcohol Impacts the Mind and Body
Alcohol is a depressant that can alter the balance of neurotransmitters — chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.[1] Initially, alcohol can produce feelings of relaxation and enjoyment by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has inhibitory properties, and by inhibiting the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.1 However, as consumption increases, alcohol impairs cognitive functions, judgment, coordination, and reaction times, which can result in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Chronic use can lead to more severe consequences, such as memory loss, mental health disorders, and permanent changes in brain structure and function.
Alcohol impacts the body in several ways, affecting various organs and systems. Over time, chronic alcohol consumption can cause significant damage to the liver, leading to conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.[2] Additionally, alcohol can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and contribute to digestive problems, including pancreatitis and gastritis.2 Heavy alcohol use has also been linked to certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and cancers of the mouth throat, and esophagus as well as cardiovascular disease.[3]
How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?
The amount of alcohol considered safe to drink varies depending on individual factors, including age, sex, overall health, and risk of alcohol-related conditions. Generally, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.3 However, even moderate drinking may pose risks for some individuals, and for those with specific medical conditions or who are pregnant, any level of alcohol consumption can be harmful.
Heavy drinking, including binge drinking, is generally defined as more than three drinks a day and more than seven drinks a week for women and more than four drinks a day within two hours for men.3 Heavy drinking significantly increases the risk of developing alcohol-related health issues as previously mentioned.
The reality is that any amount of alcohol carries risks. While the risk is lower for moderate drinking, it still exists, and it increases the more you consume. So, the only safe amount to drink is zero.
The Link Between Alcohol Use and Mental Health Issues
The link between alcohol use and mental health issues is well-documented, with research indicating that excessive alcohol consumption can both exacerbate and contribute to the development of various mental health disorders. Alcohol impacts the part of your brain that controls inhibition. This means you may feel more relaxed, less anxious, and even more confident when you drink. However, those feelings wear off and the chemical changes in your brain can lead to negative feelings, such as anger, depression, or anxiety. Over time, alcohol reduces the number of neurotransmitters, which are needed to ward off depression and anxiety.
Consistent heavy drinking has been linked to symptoms of depression. And research shows that those who drink alcohol are more likely to develop mental health issues.[4] On the flip side, people with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are more likely to use alcohol as a form of self-medication, which can create a vicious cycle of worsening symptoms and increased alcohol dependence.[5]
Related: Understanding Mental Health and Advocating for Change
Alcohol Abuse Disorder and Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol dependence takes shape in the form of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and alcohol addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder associated with compulsive alcohol drinking, the loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when alcohol is no longer available.” AUD is a chronic brain disorder, which makes it difficult to control the use of alcohol.[6] NIAAA defines AUD as “A condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe and encompasses conditions also referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism.
Related: Substance Abuse Recovery 101 — Understanding Treatment Programs
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction
For many people, when they think about recovery from alcohol addiction, they think of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or a rehabilitation facility. For many, AA is a convenient approach to recovery, but it may not be as successful. However, many may not feel that they can afford a rehab facility or take the time away from daily life to check into such a center. The good news about Lake Point Recovery and Wellness is that we offer both Inpatient and Outpatient recovery programs as well as Day Treatment. If you or a loved one is suffering from AUD, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 1-833-4HANDUP or fill out our online contact form learn more.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826822/
[2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551
[4] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health
[5] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2300494
[6] https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/alcohols-health-effects-what-you-need-to-know
