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Drugs and alcohol are one of the worst things you can do for yourself. Do yourself a favor and stay sober.

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Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol may offer some health benefits. However, heavy drinking can have a negative impact on your mood and the function of your brain, heart, and other bodily systems.

The Internet is full of mixed messages about alcohol.

On the one hand, moderate amounts have been linked to health benefits.

On the other, it is addictive and highly toxic - especially when you drink too much.

The truth is that the health effects of alcohol vary between individuals and may depend on the amount and type of alcohol consumed.

This article discusses how alcohol affects your health.

The main psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages is ethanol.

Generally referred to as "alcohol," ethanol is the substance that makes you drunk.

It's produced by yeasts that digest sugar in certain carb-rich foods, such as grapes - used to make wine - or grains - used to make beer.

Alcohol is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world. It can have powerful effects on your mood and mental state.

By reducing self-consciousness and shyness, alcohol may encourage people to act without inhibition. At the same time, it impairs judgment and may promote behavior people may end up regretting (, ).

Some people drink small amounts at a time, while others tend to binge drink. Binge drinking involves drinking large amounts at a time.

Summary
Ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, is generally referred to as "alcohol." It can have powerful effects on your mental state.

Your liver is a remarkable organ with hundreds of essential functions.

One of its main roles is to neutralize various toxic substances you consume. For this reason, your liver is particularly vulnerable to damage by alcohol intake ().

Liver diseases caused by alcohol consumption are collectively known as alcoholic liver diseases.

The first of these to appear is fatty liver, characterized by increased fat inside liver cells.

Fatty liver gradually develops in 90% of those who drink more than a 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of alcohol per day (, ).

Cirrhosis is irreversible and associated with many serious health problems. In advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option.

Summary
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, and frequent intake can lead to increased fat inside liver cells. Alcohol abuse can lead to cirrhosis, a very serious condition.

Excessive alcohol consumption can have numerous adverse effects on your brain.

Ethanol reduces communication between brain cells - a short-term effect responsible for many of the symptoms of being drunk.

Binge drinking may even lead to a blackout, a phenomenon characterized by memory loss, or amnesia, during a heavy drinking episode ().

These effects are only temporary, but chronic alcohol abuse may cause permanent changes in your brain, often leading to impaired brain function (, , ).

In worst-case scenarios, severe alcohol-induced brain damage may impair people's ability to lead an independent life.

Conversely, drinking moderately has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia - especially in older adults (, , ).

Summary
While alcohol intoxication is only temporary, chronic alcohol abuse can impair brain function permanently. However, moderate drinking may have benefits for brain health - especially among older adults.

Alcohol intake and depression are closely but complexly associated ().

Many people facing anxiety and depression drink intentionally to reduce stress and improve mood. While drinking may provide a few hours of relief, it may worsen your overall mental health and spark a vicious cycle (, ).

Summary
Alcohol abuse and depression are linked. People may start abusing alcohol due to depression or become depressed by abusing alcohol.

Obesity is a serious health concern.

Alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after fat - packing about 7 calories per gram.

Beer has a similar number of calories as sugary soft drinks, ounce for ounce, whereas red wine has twice as much ( 28, 29, 30).

However, studies investigating the link between alcohol and weight have provided inconsistent results ().

It seems that drinking habits and preferences may play a role.

Summary
The evidence on alcohol and weight gain is mixed. Heavy drinking and beer are linked to increased weight gain, while light to moderate drinking and wine are linked to reduced weight gain.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in modern society.

It is a broad category of diseases, the most common of which are coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

The relationship between alcohol and heart disease is complex and depends on several factors.

However, the American Heart Association stresses that if you don't drink, don't start, and if you do drink, it is crucial to limit how much you drink ( 41).

There are several possible reasons for the beneficial effects of drinking moderately.

Moderate alcohol consumption may:

Raise "good" HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream ().

Lower your blood concentration of fibrinogen, a substance that contributes to blood clots ().

Cut the risk of diabetes, another major risk factor for heart disease ().

Summary
While moderate alcohol consumption may reduce your risk of heart disease, heavy drinking may increase it.

Type 2 diabetes affects about 8% of the world's population ().

Characterized by abnormally high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes is caused by a reduced uptake of glucose, or blood sugar, by your cells - a phenomenon known as insulin resistance.

As a result, drinking alcohol with meals may cut the rise in blood sugar by 16-37% more than water. Blood sugar between meals - known as fasting blood glucose - may also decline (, ).

Summary
Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes by enhancing the uptake of blood sugar by your cells.

Cancer is a serious disease caused by abnormal growth of cells.

The cells lining your mouth and throat are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol.

Even light alcohol consumption - up to one drink per day - is linked to a 20% increased risk of mouth and throat cancer (, ).

Summary
Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain cancers, especially mouth and throat cancer.

Alcohol abuse during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects in the US. Drinking while pregnant can lead to abnormal facial features, low birth weight, central nervous system problems, and other serious issues (, ).

Binge drinking early in pregnancy is particularly risky for the developing baby ().

In fact, it may have adverse effects on development, growth, intelligence and behavior - which may affect the child for the rest of its life ().

Summary
Alcohol abuse is one of the world's most common causes of birth defects. The fetus is particularly vulnerable early in pregnancy.

It may be hard to believe, but alcohol may help you live longer.

Studies suggest that light and moderate consumption of alcohol may cut the risk of premature death - especially in Western societies (, ).

Simultaneously, alcohol abuse is the third main cause of preventable death in the US, as it's a large factor in chronic diseases, accidents, traffic crashes and social problems ().

Summary
Moderate alcohol consumption may increase life expectancy, while alcohol abuse is a strong risk factor for premature death.

Some people become addicted to the effects of alcohol, a condition known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism.

An estimated 12% of Americans are believed to have been dependent on alcohol at some point in their life ().

Alcohol dependence is one of the main causes of alcohol abuse and disability in the US and a strong risk factor for various diseases ().

Numerous factors can predispose people to problematic drinking, such as family history, social environment, mental health and genetics.

Many different subtypes of alcohol dependence exist, characterized by alcohol cravings, inability to abstain or loss of self-control when drinking ( 71).

As a rule of thumb, if alcohol is adversely affecting your quality of life, you may have a problem with alcohol dependence or alcoholism.

Summary
Alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, in predisposed individuals.

Heavy drinking is the most common form of drug abuse.

Chronic alcohol abuse can have catastrophic health effects, impacting your entire body and causing a range of health problems.

For example, it can cause liver damage - including cirrhosis - brain damage, heart failure, diabetes, cancer and susceptibility to infections (, , , , , ).

If you are a heavy drinker, following a healthy diet and exercise routine will still be beneficial for your health, but not as much as getting your alcohol consumption under control, or abstaining completely.

Summary
Chronic alcohol abuse can wreak havoc on your body and brain, increasing your risk of many diseases.

Some alcoholic drinks may be better than others.

Red wine appears to be particularly beneficial because it is very high in healthy antioxidants.

That said, consuming high amounts does not provide greater health benefits. Heavy drinking causes health problems - regardless of the type of beverage.

Summary
Red wine may be one of the healthiest alcoholic beverages, probably due to its high concentration of antioxidants.

Recommendations for alcohol intake are usually based on the number of standard drinks per day.

The problem is, most people have no idea what qualifies as a "standard drink." To worsen matters, the official definition of a standard drink differs between countries.

In the US, one standard drink is any drink that contains 0.6 fluid ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol (ethanol).

This image shows the standard drink amount for some popular alcoholic drinks:

Moderate drinking is defined as at most one standard drink per day for women and at most two for men, while heavy drinking is defined as more than three drinks per day for women and four for men ().

Drinking patterns are also important. Binge drinking is a form of alcohol abuse and can cause harm.

Summary
Moderate drinking is defined as no more than one standard drink per day for women and no more than two for men.

Alcohol is a popular substance enjoyed by millions all over the world. but it also is filled with risks ().

Drinking small amounts - especially of red wine - is linked to various health benefits.

On the other hand, alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction are linked to severe negative effects on both physical and mental health. Keep in mind that your cancer risk may increase - regardless of how much you are drinking.

If you tend to drink excessively or notice that alcohol causes problems in your life, you should avoid it as much as possible.

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This is a detailed article about alcohol and its health effects. It examines both the pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision.

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Alcohol and drugs are very easy to become addicted to. Don’t be that person. Drinking does not make you cool. In fact it’s really unhealthy for adults. Just imagine what it can do to kids and teenagers. https://www.theraleighhouse.com/addiction-blog/alcohol-addiction-how-long-does-it-take/amp

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Drugs and alcohol are very very bad for your health. It can cause liver disease, anemia, dementia, depression, siezures, and even cancer. https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/saying-no-to-alcohol-and-drugs-ug4813

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Almost 4 billion americans revived treatment for substance abuse in 2005. That number has only increased and of the 4 billion, almost 2.5 billion of them were treated for alcohol addiction.

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You’re speaking up because you care about your friend’s life and health, not to make them “get their act together.”

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How to Talk to An Alcoholic or Addict | Hazelden Betty Ford

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Learn how to talk to a friend, loved one or coworker about their addiction to alcohol or drugs. This difficult conversation can be life-saving.

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Drugs and alcohol have very negative effects on your body.

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IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1) rez-art / Thinkstock

2) Science Source

3) KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Thinkstock

4) adrian825 / Thinkstock

5) champja / Thinkstock

6) adrian825 / Thinkstock

7) Keith A Pavlik / Medical Images

8) BernardaSv / Thinkstock

9) txking / Thinkstock

10) arrfoto / Thinkstock

11) Joseph Giacomin

12) Wavebreakmedia Ltd / Thinkstock

13) Ru_Foto / Thinkstock

14) AndreyPopov / Thinkstock

15) wildpixel / Thinkstock

SOURCES:

Auburn University, Health Promotion and Wellness Services: "Alcohol and Your Body."

NIH, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: "Beyond the Hangover," "Alcohol's Effects on the Body," "Alcohol's Effects on Female Reproductive Function."

NIH, Alcohol and Health Research World, "Alcohol's Role in Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders."

NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center: "What People Recovering from Alcoholism Need to Know About Osteoporosis."

CollegeDrinkingPrevention.gov: "Alcohol and You: An Interactive Body."

Cleveland Clinic: "Why You Should Limit Alcohol Before Bed for Better Sleep," "Adults + Booze = Bedwetting? Here's Why It Happens to You."

Sleep.org: "Alcohol's Effects on Sleep."

National Sleep Foundation: "HOW ALCOHOL AFFECTS THE QUALITY-AND QUANTITY-OF SLEEP."

Drugs.ie: "How Alcohol Affects the Body."

Mayo Clinic: "Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)," "Hangovers."

NHS: "Heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) - Causes."

U.S. National Library of Medicine: "The effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract," "Alcohol-Related Diarrhea," "The acute effects of alcohol on auditory thresholds."

National Kidney Foundation: "Drinking Alcohol Affects Your Kidneys."

Stanford University, Office of Alcohol Policy and Education: "Hangovers."

University of Minnesota: "Your Body."

Hormone Health Network: "Hormones."

CDC: "Fact Sheets - Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Women's Health."

West Virginia University, "Long-Term Effects of Alcohol."

The University of Sydney: "Alcohol and Hearing."

UC San Diego, Student Health Services: "How Alcohol Affects Nutrition and Endurance."

American Council on Exercise: "Alcohol Eats Away at Muscle Mass."

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Slideshow: What Does Alcohol Do to Your Body?

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IMAGES PROVIDED BY: 1) rez-art / Thinkstock 2) Science Source 3) KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Thinkstock 4) adrian825 / Thinkstock 5) champja / Thinkstock 6) adrian825 / Thinkstock 7) Keith A Pavlik / Medical Images 8) BernardaSv / Thinkstock 9) txking / Thinkstock 10) arrfoto / Thinkstock 11) Joseph Giacomin 12) Wavebreakmedia Ltd / Thinkstock 13) Ru_Foto / Thinkstock 14) AndreyPopov / Thinkstock 15) wildpixel / Thinkstock SOURCES: Auburn University, Health Promotion and Wellness Services: "Alcohol and Your Body."

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Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s teens and young adults, posing substantial health and safety risks. Believe it or not, the average age for a first drink is 14.

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Where Families Find Answers on Substance Use | Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

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Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America's teens and young adults, posing substantial health and safety risks. Believe it or not, the average age for a first drink is 14.

A Parent's Guide to Underage Drinking

Teens try alcohol for a variety of reasons - to exert independence, escape from stress, peer pressure, rebellion and even boredom - but they tend to do so without fully recognizing alcohol's negative effects or health risks.

Forty percent of teens do not perceive any risk in having one or two drinks nearly every day.

As a parent, you hold tremendous influence over whether your child decides to drink or not. Be informed and be clear that you disapprove of underage drinking, model health behavior and find opportunities to discuss the dangers of alcohol.

Know the Risks

Most underage drinking - 90 percent of it - is in the form of binge drinking. People ages 12-20 drink 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. Although young people drink less often than adults do, when they do drink, they drink more, exponentially increasing risks to health and safety.

Drinking impairs judgment and can lead to poor decisions about engaging in risky behaviors that put one's self and others at risk.

Each year, 4,358 young people die in alcohol-related deaths as a result of underage drinking (car crashes, homicides, alcohol poisoning, falls, burns, drowning and suicides).

Other important risk factors to consider, and to help your son or daughter understand:

Teen brains are more vulnerable to alcohol. Research shows that the teen brain doesn't fully develop until 25. Alcohol can alter this development, potentially affecting brain structure and function.

Underage drinking increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life. Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their lives.

Mixing alcohol and marijuana is dangerous and can significantly impair judgment. The level of intoxication and secondary effects experienced can be unpredictable.

Mixing alcohol and prescription medicine is especially dangerous. It can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting and loss of coordination and puts you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems and breathing difficulties.

What You Can Do

If you choose to drink, model responsible drinking behavior. A child with a parent who binge drinks is much more likely to binge drink than a child whose parents do not. Try to avoid sending any unintended messages - find ways to celebrate and relax without alcohol.

Don't make alcohol available to your child or their friends. This isn't only a matter of safety, depending on where you live, it could be the law.

Kids ages 11-14 see approximately 1,000 alcohol ads a year. 5 Discuss what you see and help put context around the alcohol messaging your child receives from friends and the media.

Supervise any parties in your home to make sure there is no alcohol - and make sure your teens know the rules ahead of time. Learn more about social hosting laws and what they can mean for your personal liability in the event of underage drinking in the home.

Is your child socializing at someone else's home? Know where he or she will be. Call the parents in advance to verify the occasion and location and that there will be supervision. If the activity seems inappropriate, express concern and keep your child home.

Communicate your expectations and rules for when your teen goes out with friends, and include regular check-ins.

Assure your child that he or she can call you to be picked up whenever needed.

Create a contract establishing rules about drugs and alcohol. You can use our template to get started.

Foster Regular and Productive Communication

Productive communication with your teen or young adult doesn't always have to feel like you're giving them the third degree. Remain calm, relax and follow the tips below to ensure that your child hears what you have to say - and visa versa.

Try to be objective and open. If you want to have a productive conversation with your child, do your best to keep an open mind and remain curious. Your child is more likely to be receptive this way.

Ask open-ended questions. These are questions that elicit more than just a "yes" or "no" response and will lead to a more engaging conversation.

Let your teen know they're being heard. Use active listening and reflect back what you are hearing - either verbatim, or just the sentiment. For example, you can say, I'm hearing that you feel overwhelmed, and that you think drinking helps you relax. Is that right?

Discuss the negative effects of alcohol, and what that means in terms of mental and physical health, safety and making good decisions. Talk about the long-term effects.

If your child's interested in drinking, ask why - and what might happen if she does. This gets your teen to think about her future, what her boundaries are around drinking - and some of the possible negative consequences (she may be late to practice, do something stupid in front of her friends, feel hung over). It will also give you insight into what's important to her.

Offer empathy and compassion. Let your child know you understand. The teen years can be tough. Acknowledge that everyone struggles sometimes, but alcohol is not a useful or healthy way to cope with problems. Let your child know that he or she can trust you.

Remind your child that you are there for support and guidance - and that it's important to you that she or he is healthy and happy and makes safe choices.

If there is a history of addiction or alcoholism in your family, then your child has a much greater risk of developing a problem. Be aware of this elevated risk and discuss it with your child regularly, as you would with any disease.

Keep an eye on how your child is coping. Does he or she seem withdrawn or uninterested in the usual activities? These are signs that your child might be hiding something or need some guidance.

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How to Address Underage Drinking with Your Son or Daughter

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Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America's teens and young adults, posing substantial health and safety risks. Believe it or not, the average age for a first drink is 14.