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We are a charity that offers free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health

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If you’re concerned that you or someone you care about has a drinking problem you can contact one of these helplines for advice.

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Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

Calls made to 0800 or 0808 phone numbers are free for all UK landline and mobile phones.

Dan 24/7 telephone number will NOT appear on your home itemised bill.

Getting help is the first step

Talking to somebody about your drug or alcohol problem is the first step to resolving your problems. You can call DAN 24/7 on 0808 808 2234 anytime day or night and we will give you help and advice.

If you'd rather look for an agency online then you can search through our online database of drug and alcohol agencies where you can find National and Local agencies that will be able to help you.

Remember, anything you tell DAN 24/7 or any agency you contact is confidential and you won't even need to give your real name.
For support with gambling addiction, please visit the Gamcare website

Naloxone Click and Deliver

Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. We now offer a click and deliver service to any address in Wales.
Order here

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Take the drugs meter, objective feedback on your drug use that allows you to compare your use against thousands of people across the globe.
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DAN 247 - Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

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Dan 24/7 is a free and confidential drugs helpline

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At Priory, we recognise that drug addiction - through use of illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine, or legal prescription drugs, can have a profoundly negative impact on all areas of your life. Continued drug use can lead to a range of long-term health consequences, and may even prove fatal.

It's important to understand that drug addiction is treatable, and the most crucial first step is to seek help. Priory's specialist addiction treatment is led by our expert teams of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses and other highly trained professionals. Treatment is tailored to your requirements, enabling us to provide the highest standards of care. We ensure that you are placed at the heart of your addiction treatment journey, in order to produce the best possible outcomes for you as an individual, and allow you to overcome your challenges.

Drug addiction support near you

Priory sites in the Greater London area, including our Roehampton and Woking hospitals specialise in treating all types of addiction, helping you get your life back on track.

Drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation usually takes place as part of our comprehensive 28-day Addiction Treatment Programme. This involves you staying at one of our London-based hospital sites on a residential basis, where you'll receive expert addiction treatment and therapy, as well as round-the-clock support. We also provide outpatient therapy for drug addiction at our and Harley Street Wellbeing Centre.
At Priory you'll benefit from:

Expert advice and support from Priory specialists

Complete discretion and confidentiality

A recommended treatment programme based on your individual needs

Access to 30 years' plus experience providing the highest quality addiction care

Therapy sessions to suit your work life and commitments

Book a free, confidential consultation

We know it can be difficult to take the first step towards treatment for alcohol addiction. That's why Priory offers a free addiction assessment with an experienced therapist at your nearest Priory site. Your consultation is completely confidential, and provides you with a clear first step towards recovery. To book an appointment that suits your schedule, contact us now.

You can overcome your addiction

It's important to understand that without professional support, your alcohol addiction may become worse over time. It can have a negative impact on lots of different areas of your life, including your relationships with others, your performance at work, and your general health and wellbeing. That's why seeking specialist support is crucial in order to overcome your drug addiction and resume the healthy, fulfilling, addiction-free life that you deserve.

Get the help you need now by calling our enquiry line on: 0330 056 6038 , or by completing our online enquiry form.

Watch our video on patient recovery from addiction

"The staff made my time at the Priory an amazing experience. Their Warmth and kindness kept me afloat, at a difficult time in my life."

94% of Priory mental health and addictions patients are satisfied with their quality of care

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At Priory, we recognise that drug addiction - through use of illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine, or legal prescription drugs, can have a profoundly negative impact on all areas of your life. Continued drug use can lead to a range of long-term health consequences, and may even prove fatal.

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National Association for Children of Alcoholics

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National Association for Children of Alcoholics

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Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent's drinking

1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by a parent's drinking. #URNotAlone

Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent's drinking

1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by a parent's drinking. #URNotAlone

Free helpline

If you would like to talk to someone, our free confidential helpline is here for you.
helpline@Nacoa.org.uk

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... we are here to help. With your help we can help no child feel like they are on their own.

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Keeps the helpline running for 6 weeks.

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For just £25 a year, you can join us as a Nacoa member. Receive invites to big events and our AGM. Have your say in our management. And get your iconic Nacoa t-shirt.

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Nacoa: Helping everyone affected by their parent's drinking - Nacoa

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Nacoa UK helps everyone affected by a parent's drinking. 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by their parent's drinking. #URNotAlone

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Our team is comprised of a mixture of ex-servicepeople and civilian addiction professionals, many of whom are in long-term recovery themselves and some of whom have successfully completed the Tom Harrison House recovery programme in the past.

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Adfam is a national charity tackling the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on family members and friends. We improve life for thousands of people. Our mission is to do this by:

empowering families and friends to get the support they need.

building the confidence, capacity and capability of frontline practitioners to provide effective services.

influencing decision-makers to understand the needs of the millions of people coping with the negative effects of a family member or friend's drinking or drug use.

Find out more about the impact of Adfam's work by reading our 2021 Impact Report.

Our vision

We want anyone affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use or gambling problem to have the chance to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing.

What we value

We are empowering, supportive and influential

We listen to families and frontline workers

We know that people who face challenges often also have answers. So what we do is informed by our supporters: using compassion and evidence we inform, support and empower both people affected by a loved one's drug or alcohol use or gambling and the workers who support them. We build skills, resources, confidence and pathways so both groups can help themselves, their peers, clients and communities.

We're driven by what works

The impact of substance use on family relationships and wellbeing is both profound and varied. We approach our work with care and close attention to what works in the real world. To do this we embrace evidence in all its diversity, never underestimating the value of real-life experience as well as formal research evidence. Our work is driven by our friends, supporters and colleagues and what they tell us works.

We're serious about our mission

We are serious about our work, and our partnerships, and committed to delivering them to the highest quality. We know that prejudice and stigma are barriers to recovery and cause harm, and we promise to treat individuals and families affected by drugs and alcohol with respect and dignity. We want to see a society free from stigma towards drug and alcohol users and those with a gambling problem as well as their families, and will fight until it exists.

Tackling racism and discrimination is essential to achieving our vision. There are structural inequalities that exacerbate the impact that drug use, alcohol use and gambling can have on people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and their families. We want anyone affected by someone else's gambling, drug or alcohol use to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing. Our vision is denied to too many families because of racism. We are committed to identifying and addressing these structural inequalities through working with policy and decision makers, professionals and families to ensure our vision is wholly inclusive.

What our supporters think

Learning from Adfam's resources and training has made a real difference to the work I do with families. Adfam is building our resilience in challenging times. I now don't feel so alone with the problem... being aware that others have similar problems, even though they are all different.

Adfam is a registered charity number 1067428.

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Adfam is a national charity tackling the negative effects of drugs and alcohol on family members and friends. We improve life for thousands of people. Our mission is to do this by: empowering families and friends to get the support they need. building the confidence, capacity and capability of frontline practitioners to provide effective services....

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We are a charity that offers free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health

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Safer Gambling Week is a cross-industry initiative to promote safer gambling in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It will take place on 17-23 October 2022.

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Alcohol can cause both short-term effects, such as lowered inhibitions, and long-term effects, including a weakened immune system.

You won't necessarily feel alcohol's impact on your body right away, but it starts from the moment you take your first sip.

If you drink, you've probably had some experience with alcohol's effects, from the warm buzz that kicks in quickly to the not-so-pleasant wine headache, or the hangover that shows up the next morning. Since those effects don't last long, you might not worry much about them, especially if you don't drink often.

Many people assume the occasional beer or glass of wine at mealtimes or special occasions doesn't pose much cause for concern. But drinking any amount of alcohol can potentially lead to unwanted health consequences.

People who binge drink or drink heavily may notice more health effects sooner, but alcohol also poses some risks for people who drink in moderation.

Alcohol use can begin to take a toll on anyone's physical and mental well-being over time. These effects may be more serious and more noticeable if you drink regularly and tend to have more than 1 or 2 drinks when you do.

Read on to get the details on how alcohol can affect your body, brain, and emotional health, plus a few tips on finding support if you're considering cutting back on drinking.

Temporary effects you might notice while drinking alcohol (or shortly after) can include:

Some of these effects, like a relaxed mood or lowered inhibitions, might show up quickly after just one drink. Others, like loss of consciousness or slurred speech, may develop after a few drinks.

Dehydration-related effects, like nausea, headache, and dizziness, might not appear for a few hours, and they can also depend on what you drink, how much you drink, and if you also drink water.

These effects might not last very long, but that doesn't make them insignificant. Impulsiveness, loss of coordination, and changes in mood can affect your judgment and behavior and contribute to more far-reaching effects, including accidents, injuries, and decisions you later regret.

Alcohol use can also lead to more lasting concerns that extend beyond your own mood and health.

Some long-term effects of frequently drinking alcohol can include:

Here's a breakdown of alcohol's effects on your internal organs and body processes.

Digestive and endocrine glands

Drinking too much alcohol over time may cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can activate the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and cause abdominal pain.

Pancreatitis can become a long-term condition and cause serious complications.

Inflammatory damage

Your liver helps break down and remove toxins and harmful substances (including alcohol) from your body.

Long-term alcohol use interferes with this process. It also increases your risk for alcohol-related liver disease and chronic liver inflammation:

Alcohol-related liver disease is a potentially life threatening condition that leads to toxins and waste buildup in your body.

Chronic liver inflammation can cause scarring, or cirrhosis. When scar tissue forms, it may permanently damage your liver.

Sugar levels

The pancreas helps regulate how your body uses insulin and responds to glucose. If your pancreas and liver don't function properly due to pancreatitis or liver disease, you could experience low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

A damaged pancreas can also prevent your body from producing enough insulin to use sugar. This can lead to hyperglycemia, or too much sugar in the blood.

If your body can't manage and balance your blood sugar levels, you may experience greater complications and side effects related to diabetes.

Experts recommend avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Central nervous system

One major way to recognize alcohol's impact on your body? Understanding how it affects your central nervous system.

Slurred speech, a key sign of intoxication, happens because alcohol reduces communication between your brain and body. This makes speech and coordination - think reaction time and balance - more difficult. That's one major reason why you should never drive after drinking.

Over time, alcohol can cause damage to your central nervous system. You might notice numbness and tingling in your feet and hands.

Drinking can also affect your ability to:

create long-term memories

think clearly

make rational choices

regulate your emotions

Over time, drinking can also damage your frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for executive functions, like abstract reasoning, decision making, social behavior, and performance.

Chronic heavy drinking can also cause permanent brain damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder that affects memory.

Digestive system

The connection between alcohol consumption and your digestive system might not seem immediately clear. The side effects often only appear after the damage has happened. Continuing to drink can worsen these symptoms.

Drinking can damage the tissues in your digestive tract, preventing your intestines from digesting food and absorbing nutrients and vitamins properly. In time, this damage can cause malnutrition.

Heavy drinking can also lead to:

Ulcers can cause dangerous internal bleeding, which can sometimes be fatal without prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Circulatory system

Chronic drinking can affect your heart and lungs, raising your risk of developing heart-related health issues.

Circulatory system complications include:

Difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals from food can cause fatigue and anemia, a condition where you have a low red blood cell count.

Sexual and reproductive health

Drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions, so you might assume alcohol can ramp up your fun in the bedroom.

In reality, though, heavy drinking can:

Excessive drinking may affect your menstrual cycle and potentially increase your risk for infertility.

Skeletal and muscle systems

Long-term alcohol use can affect bone density, leading to thinner bones and increasing your risk of fractures if you fall. Weakened bones may also heal slower.

Drinking alcohol can also lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and eventually atrophy.

Immune system

Drinking heavily reduces your body's natural immune system. A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses.

People who drink heavily over a long period of time are also more likely to develop pneumonia or tuberculosis than the general population. The World Health Organization (WHO) links about of all tuberculosis cases worldwide to alcohol consumption.

Drinking alcohol can also factor into your cancer risk:

Long-term alcohol use can lead to changes in your brain that can affect your:

memory and concentration

impulse control

emotions, mood, and personality

Regular drinking can also affect overall mental health and well-being, in part because alcohol may worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

You might also notice feelings of anxiety with a hangover.

Alcohol-induced mental health conditions

Alcohol use can factor into mental health symptoms that closely resemble those of other mental health conditions.

The latest edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions, includes diagnostic criteria for:

alcohol-induced bipolar disorder

alcohol-induced psychotic disorder

alcohol-induced sleep disorder

alcohol-induced depressive disorder

alcohol-induced anxiety disorder

With these conditions, you'll only notice symptoms during alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. These symptoms typically improve quickly when alcohol use stops.

Dependence

Some people who drink eventually develop a tolerance to alcohol. As a result, they eventually need to drink more to notice the same effects they once did.

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can also lead to dependence, which means your body and brain have grown used to alcohol's effects.

When you stop drinking, you might notice a range of physical, emotional, or mental health symptoms that ease as soon as you have a drink.

Tolerance and dependence can both happen as symptoms of alcohol use disorder, a mental health condition previously referred to as alcoholism, that happens when your body becomes dependent on alcohol. This condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms you have.

Key symptoms may include:

cravings

withdrawal

drinking more over time

having difficulty stopping after one drink

inability to stop drinking when you try

continuing to drink alcohol even when it has a negative impact on your health or daily life

spending a lot of time on activities related to alcohol use

Learn more about the signs of alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and, in some cases, life threatening. Depending on how often you drink and how much, you may need support from a healthcare professional if you want to stop drinking.

It's always best to connect with your doctor before quitting alcohol. The "cold turkey" approach might not always be safe.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

Seizures, hallucinations, and delirium may occur in severe cases of withdrawal.

Medical detoxification can help you stop drinking safely. Your doctor may recommend treatment at a clinic or at home, depending on your risk for withdrawal symptoms.

Certain factors may increase your chances of experiencing alcohol use disorder.

Some of these include:

heavy drinking

binge drinking

ongoing stress

having peers or family members who drink a lot of alcohol

having genes that affect your sensitivity to alcohol

having anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or another mental health condition

having a close relative, especially a parent, with the condition

Thinking about cutting back on alcohol or quitting drinking completely?

You have plenty of options for support and treatment:

free recovery support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery

online recovery platforms, like Tempest

therapy to help address reasons for drinking and learn helpful coping skills

medical treatment to address symptoms of alcohol use disorder and any related health concerns

medications that can help reduce cravings

Looking for mental health support near you? Here's how to find a therapist.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free helpline, available 24/7. Call 800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889 to get guidance on local options for support and treatment.

There's no entirely safe way to consume alcohol, but if you choose to drink, these tips can help reduce some risks:

Make sure you eat. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to avoid becoming intoxicated too fast.

Drink plenty of water. For every standard drink you consume, aim to have a glass of water.

Don't go too fast. Drink slowly to give your body plenty of time to process the alcohol. Your liver can process about 1 ounce of alcohol every hour.

Don't mix with other substances. Mixing alcohol with caffeine can hide the depressant effects of alcohol, making you drink more than you might otherwise. Drinking coffee to "sober up" may make you feel more awake, but it may also make you more inclined to make the mistake of trying to drive while under the influence. Combining alcohol with other drugs can also have adverse effects.

Don't drink and drive. Never drive while intoxicated. Even if you feel like you've sobered up, you may still have alcohol in your system that can affect your reaction time.

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What happens to your body after you take your first sip of alcohol? Learn the effects of drinking on your body and mental well-being.

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Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and nicotine,

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Addiction is a common problem, but help is available.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and smoking, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:

work - some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family and social life are affected and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work

internet - as computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives

solvents - volatile substance abuse is when you inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication

shopping - shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don't need or want to achieve a buzz; this is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair

What causes addictions?

There are lots of reasons why addictions begin. In the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.

Gambling may result in a similar mental "high" after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again and recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop.

Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a "come down". Because this can be unpleasant, it's easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.

Often, an addiction gets out of control because you need more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the "high".

How addictions can affect you

The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage your work life and relationships. In the case of substance misuse (for example, drugs and alcohol), an addiction can have serious psychological and physical effects.

Some studies suggest a person's risk of becoming addicted is partly genetic, but environmental factors, such as being around other people with addictions, are also thought to increase the risk.

Behaviours such as substance misuse can be a way of blocking out difficult issues. Unemployment and poverty can trigger addiction, along with stress and emotional or professional pressure.

Getting help for addictions

Addiction is a treatable condition. Whatever the addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help. You could see your GP for advice or contact an organisation that specialises in helping people with addictions.

You can use the following online directories to find addiction treatment services in your area:

To speak to someone anonymously about any type of addiction, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123.

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Addiction is a common problem, but help is available. Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

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Honest information about drugs

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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Prescription Drug Abuse

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There are a number of different types of prescription drug addictions that we are able to treat at Priory, and it is important to understand that each type can result in different prescription drug addiction symptoms and impact on individuals in unique ways.

Any prescription drug can be misused, but the properties and effects of certain medications increase both the likelihood that they will be misused, as well as the potential harm and long-term problems that this misuse can cause.

What are the most commonly abused prescription drugs?

In recent years, the misuse of prescription painkillers has become increasingly prevalent, as has the misuse of prescription benzodiazepines and stimulant medications. Improper use of these types of prescription drugs has taken a devastating toll on individuals, families and communities throughout the UK. These are explained in more detail below:

Prescription opioids

These drugs have very strong painkilling properties, and are the most commonly misused prescription drugs. In addition to numbing pain, opioid-based prescription medications can also cause you to experience a sense of relaxed euphoria. This pleasurable sensation, combined with the addictive nature of opioid medication, can quickly trap you in cycle of continued abuse and addiction. Different types of prescription opioids include:

Oxycodone (including brand names such as OxyContin and Percocet)

Hydrocodone (including the brand name, Vicodin)

Fentanyl

Co-codamol

You may be prescribed prescription opioids if you are experiencing moderate to severe pain, which can result from an injury, a chronic condition, or in the aftermath of surgery. These drugs can also improve mood and reduce fever. The strength of these drugs means that using them recreationally is particularly dangerous, with fatal overdose a very real possibility.

FREE Addiction Assessment

Priory deliver expert addiction treatment and rehabilitation. To find out how we can help you to get your life back on track, call us today on 0800 144 8969 or enquire . Book your FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT.

Prescription benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, also known as 'benzos', 'sedatives' and 'tranquilisers', are another widely-abused classification of prescription medication. These types of prescription drugs may be prescribed to you if you have been struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, seizures and certain other psychiatric and medical conditions.

Benzodiazepines are known to cause individuals to feel calm, serene, and relaxed - feelings which can be highly addictive to some people, and which can lead to the development of a harmful benzodiazepine dependency. Different types of prescription benzodiazepines include:

Diazepam (including the brand name, Valium)

Alprazolam (including the brand name, Xanax)

Chlordiazepoxide (including the brand name, Librium)

Zolpidem (including the brand name, Ambien)

Prescription stimulants

Stimulants are typically prescribed in the treatment of conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy, which is a disorder that is characterised by uncontrollable episodes of deep sleep. Prescription stimulants are designed to increase attention, energy and alertness, and they do this by increasing the activity of various chemicals in the brain, including dopamine. As dopamine is linked to the brain's 'pleasure centre', taking stimulant medication can result in highly addictive, pleasurable and euphoric sensations. Different types of prescription stimulants include:

Methylphenidate (including brand names such as Ritalin and Concerta)

Dextroamphetamine (including brand names such as Adderall and Dexedrine)

Given the wide variety of chemicals that are present in prescription medications, the dangers of misusing them can range from mild discomfort to irreversible damage, addiction and even death. If you become addicted to a prescription drug, which can happen quite quickly with certain medications, you will lose the ability to control how much of the drug that you take and how often you take it, which can cause your addiction to worsen over time and have an increasingly detrimental impact on your health, wellbeing and quality of life.

However, it's important to understand that you're not alone and that expert help, therapy and treatment is available. At Priory, our world class prescription drug addiction treatment teams are dedicated to providing comprehensive support, enabling you to stop misusing prescription drugs and successfully pursue a healthy, drug-free future.
This page was clinically reviewed by Dr Niall Campbell (MBBS, MRCPsych) in June 2020, and is scheduled to be reviewed again in June 2022. To view all Priory prescription drug addiction specialists, please

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Alcohol can cause both short-term effects, such as lowered inhibitions, and long-term effects, including a weakened immune system.

You won't necessarily feel alcohol's impact on your body right away, but it starts from the moment you take your first sip.

If you drink, you've probably had some experience with alcohol's effects, from the warm buzz that kicks in quickly to the not-so-pleasant wine headache, or the hangover that shows up the next morning. Since those effects don't last long, you might not worry much about them, especially if you don't drink often.

Many people assume the occasional beer or glass of wine at mealtimes or special occasions doesn't pose much cause for concern. But drinking any amount of alcohol can potentially lead to unwanted health consequences.

People who binge drink or drink heavily may notice more health effects sooner, but alcohol also poses some risks for people who drink in moderation.

Alcohol use can begin to take a toll on anyone's physical and mental well-being over time. These effects may be more serious and more noticeable if you drink regularly and tend to have more than 1 or 2 drinks when you do.

Read on to get the details on how alcohol can affect your body, brain, and emotional health, plus a few tips on finding support if you're considering cutting back on drinking.

Temporary effects you might notice while drinking alcohol (or shortly after) can include:

Some of these effects, like a relaxed mood or lowered inhibitions, might show up quickly after just one drink. Others, like loss of consciousness or slurred speech, may develop after a few drinks.

Dehydration-related effects, like nausea, headache, and dizziness, might not appear for a few hours, and they can also depend on what you drink, how much you drink, and if you also drink water.

These effects might not last very long, but that doesn't make them insignificant. Impulsiveness, loss of coordination, and changes in mood can affect your judgment and behavior and contribute to more far-reaching effects, including accidents, injuries, and decisions you later regret.

Alcohol use can also lead to more lasting concerns that extend beyond your own mood and health.

Some long-term effects of frequently drinking alcohol can include:

Here's a breakdown of alcohol's effects on your internal organs and body processes.

Digestive and endocrine glands

Drinking too much alcohol over time may cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can activate the release of pancreatic digestive enzymes and cause abdominal pain.

Pancreatitis can become a long-term condition and cause serious complications.

Inflammatory damage

Your liver helps break down and remove toxins and harmful substances (including alcohol) from your body.

Long-term alcohol use interferes with this process. It also increases your risk for alcohol-related liver disease and chronic liver inflammation:

Alcohol-related liver disease is a potentially life threatening condition that leads to toxins and waste buildup in your body.

Chronic liver inflammation can cause scarring, or cirrhosis. When scar tissue forms, it may permanently damage your liver.

Sugar levels

The pancreas helps regulate how your body uses insulin and responds to glucose. If your pancreas and liver don't function properly due to pancreatitis or liver disease, you could experience low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

A damaged pancreas can also prevent your body from producing enough insulin to use sugar. This can lead to hyperglycemia, or too much sugar in the blood.

If your body can't manage and balance your blood sugar levels, you may experience greater complications and side effects related to diabetes.

Experts recommend avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Central nervous system

One major way to recognize alcohol's impact on your body? Understanding how it affects your central nervous system.

Slurred speech, a key sign of intoxication, happens because alcohol reduces communication between your brain and body. This makes speech and coordination - think reaction time and balance - more difficult. That's one major reason why you should never drive after drinking.

Over time, alcohol can cause damage to your central nervous system. You might notice numbness and tingling in your feet and hands.

Drinking can also affect your ability to:

create long-term memories

think clearly

make rational choices

regulate your emotions

Over time, drinking can also damage your frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for executive functions, like abstract reasoning, decision making, social behavior, and performance.

Chronic heavy drinking can also cause permanent brain damage, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disorder that affects memory.

Digestive system

The connection between alcohol consumption and your digestive system might not seem immediately clear. The side effects often only appear after the damage has happened. Continuing to drink can worsen these symptoms.

Drinking can damage the tissues in your digestive tract, preventing your intestines from digesting food and absorbing nutrients and vitamins properly. In time, this damage can cause malnutrition.

Heavy drinking can also lead to:

Ulcers can cause dangerous internal bleeding, which can sometimes be fatal without prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Circulatory system

Chronic drinking can affect your heart and lungs, raising your risk of developing heart-related health issues.

Circulatory system complications include:

Difficulty absorbing vitamins and minerals from food can cause fatigue and anemia, a condition where you have a low red blood cell count.

Sexual and reproductive health

Drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions, so you might assume alcohol can ramp up your fun in the bedroom.

In reality, though, heavy drinking can:

Excessive drinking may affect your menstrual cycle and potentially increase your risk for infertility.

Skeletal and muscle systems

Long-term alcohol use can affect bone density, leading to thinner bones and increasing your risk of fractures if you fall. Weakened bones may also heal slower.

Drinking alcohol can also lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and eventually atrophy.

Immune system

Drinking heavily reduces your body's natural immune system. A weakened immune system has a harder time protecting you from germs and viruses.

People who drink heavily over a long period of time are also more likely to develop pneumonia or tuberculosis than the general population. The World Health Organization (WHO) links about of all tuberculosis cases worldwide to alcohol consumption.

Drinking alcohol can also factor into your cancer risk:

Long-term alcohol use can lead to changes in your brain that can affect your:

memory and concentration

impulse control

emotions, mood, and personality

Regular drinking can also affect overall mental health and well-being, in part because alcohol may worsen symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

You might also notice feelings of anxiety with a hangover.

Alcohol-induced mental health conditions

Alcohol use can factor into mental health symptoms that closely resemble those of other mental health conditions.

The latest edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions, includes diagnostic criteria for:

alcohol-induced bipolar disorder

alcohol-induced psychotic disorder

alcohol-induced sleep disorder

alcohol-induced depressive disorder

alcohol-induced anxiety disorder

With these conditions, you'll only notice symptoms during alcohol intoxication or withdrawal. These symptoms typically improve quickly when alcohol use stops.

Dependence

Some people who drink eventually develop a tolerance to alcohol. As a result, they eventually need to drink more to notice the same effects they once did.

Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can also lead to dependence, which means your body and brain have grown used to alcohol's effects.

When you stop drinking, you might notice a range of physical, emotional, or mental health symptoms that ease as soon as you have a drink.

Tolerance and dependence can both happen as symptoms of alcohol use disorder, a mental health condition previously referred to as alcoholism, that happens when your body becomes dependent on alcohol. This condition can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms you have.

Key symptoms may include:

cravings

withdrawal

drinking more over time

having difficulty stopping after one drink

inability to stop drinking when you try

continuing to drink alcohol even when it has a negative impact on your health or daily life

spending a lot of time on activities related to alcohol use

Learn more about the signs of alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult and, in some cases, life threatening. Depending on how often you drink and how much, you may need support from a healthcare professional if you want to stop drinking.

It's always best to connect with your doctor before quitting alcohol. The "cold turkey" approach might not always be safe.

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

Seizures, hallucinations, and delirium may occur in severe cases of withdrawal.

Medical detoxification can help you stop drinking safely. Your doctor may recommend treatment at a clinic or at home, depending on your risk for withdrawal symptoms.

Certain factors may increase your chances of experiencing alcohol use disorder.

Some of these include:

heavy drinking

binge drinking

ongoing stress

having peers or family members who drink a lot of alcohol

having genes that affect your sensitivity to alcohol

having anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or another mental health condition

having a close relative, especially a parent, with the condition

Thinking about cutting back on alcohol or quitting drinking completely?

You have plenty of options for support and treatment:

free recovery support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery

online recovery platforms, like Tempest

therapy to help address reasons for drinking and learn helpful coping skills

medical treatment to address symptoms of alcohol use disorder and any related health concerns

medications that can help reduce cravings

Looking for mental health support near you? Here's how to find a therapist.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free helpline, available 24/7. Call 800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 1-800-487-4889 to get guidance on local options for support and treatment.

There's no entirely safe way to consume alcohol, but if you choose to drink, these tips can help reduce some risks:

Make sure you eat. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to avoid becoming intoxicated too fast.

Drink plenty of water. For every standard drink you consume, aim to have a glass of water.

Don't go too fast. Drink slowly to give your body plenty of time to process the alcohol. Your liver can process about 1 ounce of alcohol every hour.

Don't mix with other substances. Mixing alcohol with caffeine can hide the depressant effects of alcohol, making you drink more than you might otherwise. Drinking coffee to "sober up" may make you feel more awake, but it may also make you more inclined to make the mistake of trying to drive while under the influence. Combining alcohol with other drugs can also have adverse effects.

Don't drink and drive. Never drive while intoxicated. Even if you feel like you've sobered up, you may still have alcohol in your system that can affect your reaction time.

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What happens to your body after you take your first sip of alcohol? Learn the effects of drinking on your body and mental well-being.

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Drink awareness

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Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and nicotine,

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Addiction is a common problem, but help is available.
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and smoking, but it's possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:

work - some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family and social life are affected and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work

internet - as computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives

solvents - volatile substance abuse is when you inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication

shopping - shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don't need or want to achieve a buzz; this is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair

What causes addictions?

There are lots of reasons why addictions begin. In the case of drugs, alcohol and nicotine, these substances affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. These feelings can be enjoyable and create a powerful urge to use the substances again.

Gambling may result in a similar mental "high" after a win, followed by a strong urge to try again and recreate that feeling. This can develop into a habit that becomes very hard to stop.

Being addicted to something means that not having it causes withdrawal symptoms, or a "come down". Because this can be unpleasant, it's easier to carry on having or doing what you crave, and so the cycle continues.

Often, an addiction gets out of control because you need more and more to satisfy a craving and achieve the "high".

How addictions can affect you

The strain of managing an addiction can seriously damage your work life and relationships. In the case of substance misuse (for example, drugs and alcohol), an addiction can have serious psychological and physical effects.

Some studies suggest a person's risk of becoming addicted is partly genetic, but environmental factors, such as being around other people with addictions, are also thought to increase the risk.

Behaviours such as substance misuse can be a way of blocking out difficult issues. Unemployment and poverty can trigger addiction, along with stress and emotional or professional pressure.

Getting help for addictions

Addiction is a treatable condition. Whatever the addiction, there are lots of ways you can seek help. You could see your GP for advice or contact an organisation that specialises in helping people with addictions.

You can use the following online directories to find addiction treatment services in your area:

To speak to someone anonymously about any type of addiction, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123.

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Addiction is a common problem, but help is available. Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

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Get help with drink

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Mind.org.uk

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