How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect the Body?
Alcohol is a drug and while long-term heavy use creates severe affects on the body, drinking alcohol in small amounts also carries health consequences. Continued use of alcohol can lead to physiological addiction in addition to other physical impairments. Alcohol is the most commonly abused psychoactive drug in the United States and the world. Beginning with low doses, alcohol immediately impairs coordination and sound judgment, contributing to automobile accidents and other fatal decisions. Moderate drinking leads to confusion and dizziness, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting. The morning after large amounts of alcohol have been consumed leaves people with headaches, thirst and fatigue. Ulcers, malnutrition and sexual dysfunction can result from long-term alcohol use. Pregnant women who drink can cause fetal alcohol syndrome in their unborn children, causing mental and physical damage.
