Raise a Glass: Alcohol Fact Sheet

Humans have been drinking alcohol for thousands of years. Since the day ancient humans first tried fermentation, we have indulged in a drink or two from time to time. Alcohol is also an important part of culture and society, with drinking being incorporated into everything from celebrations to religious ceremonies. But is this staple of human culture harming us?

It is common knowledge that excessive drinking is dangerous, especially in large amounts over time. Not only does it have the immediate effects of drunkenness and alcohol poisoning, but throughout a lifetime, excessive alcohol consumption is known to impact the heart, brain, and liver, to name a few. 

Casual and social drinkers, however, should they be concerned with how alcohol affects their overall health? How does it affect the body when consumed in smaller amounts? What are some of its short-term and long-term effects on the body?

What is a “Drink”?

Before discussing the effects of alcohol, it’s important to know what is considered a standard “drink.” According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a standard drink is approximately 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. To put that in perspective, a standard drink is about:

• 12 ounces of 5% alcohol beer
• 8 ounces of 7% alcohol malt liquor
• 5 ounces of 12% alcohol wine
• 1.5 ounces of 40% alcohol, or 80-proof, distilled spirits or liquor, such as gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, etc. 

The CDC also defines the following:

• Drinking in Moderation: 1 drink or less a day for women and 2 drinks or less a day for men.
• Binge Drinking: 4 or more drinks in a single occasion for women and 5 or more drinks in one occasion for men.
• Heavy Drinking: 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Over the years scientists have looked into the many ways alcohol affects the body. Specifically, there have been numerous studies on how it can negatively affect organs and systems. This can increase health issues ranging from cardiovascular disease to liver cirrhosis, or even fetal abnormalities in pregnant people. 

However, there have also been multiple studies claiming that some types of alcohol, such as red wine, can be beneficial to the body. Everyone has heard the claim that a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart. But is it the alcohol that makes red wine beneficial, or other lifestyle factors?

Here are a few ways any type of alcohol affects the body according to various studies. 

Heart and Cardiovascular System

Heavy drinking and binge drinking over a long time is shown to cause damage to the heart and cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is only one of the many issues alcohol can cause on this part of the body. 

• High Blood Pressure: A common result of excessive drinking, high blood pressure is a chronic illness that causes a multitude of other problems in the body. It hardens blood vessels and can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Binge drinking is known to cause atrial Fibrillation, rapid and irregular heartbeat. This is so common that doctors are known to call it “Holiday Heart” as they see more people with this condition around the holidays. 
• Cardiomyopathy: Long-term use can also lead to the stretching out of heart muscles, causing your heart to change shape. This can lead to heart failure.
• Stroke: Narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the brain caused by alcohol-related hypertension can lead to a stroke. What’s more, the anticlotting properties of alcohol may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Alcohol and the Brain

It’s commonly known that alcohol affects the brain in terms of mood and coordination. It offers a sense of relaxation, mood elevation, sociability, and stress reduction. However, there are many ways in which alcohol harms the brain. For example, while it does help reduce stress and increase relaxation, people who rely on alcohol to it stress are more likely to develop alcohol abuse.

Alcohol interferes with many parts of the central nervous system by impeding brain communication pathways. This disruption has a direct effect on a person’s mood and coordination leading to physical injury, disinhibition, sedation, and unconsciousness. On a physical level, alcohol destroys brain cells, contracts brain tissue, and causes neuronal injury.

Liver Disease

One of the most commonly known side effects of excessive alcohol consumption is liver disease. The liver is a resilient organ capable of repairing itself that works to remove toxins from the blood. However, when you drink, as the liver filters out the toxins, liver cells die. Consuming too much over time can reduce it’s ability to regenerate.

There are three stages of liver disease. 

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fat gathers in the liver.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation begins in the liver.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: The tissue of the liver is scarred and irreversible.

Symptoms of liver disease include jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea, however, these symptoms usually don’t emerge until significant liver damage has been done. The first two stages of liver disease are reversible. While the third stage is irreversible, people are more likely to live longer if they stop drinking. 

Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?

According to the National Toxicology Program and the National Institute for Health, alcohol is a carcinogen. Based on multiple human studies, alcohol is known to cause the following seven types of cancer:

• Oral Cancer
• Pharynx Cancer
• Larynx Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer

Looking for Help?

If you believe that you have a substance abuse problem, it’s important to seek out care from a trained professional. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help refer you to a professional in your area. 

Health Coaches

If a client comes to you wanting to change their drinking habits, it’s important to give them the resources they need to make an informed decision about where to seek out help. While coaches are great for helping clients make lifestyle changes, excessive alcohol consumption oftentimes is about more than just a habit. 

If a client is getting the support they need from a professional, wants to know more about the side effects of drinking, or is looking to change their casual drinking habit, you as a health coach can be a great asset. A health coach can coach clients through drinking alternatives, including healthier drink options or different social events to host. You can also direct clients toward information and resources if they show concerns about alcohol-related health issues. 

Alcohol seldom leaves any system untouched as far as leaving an impression on the body is concerned. It is a multifaceted issue that can permanently affect the body in irreversible ways. It’s always important to weigh the benefits and risks of drinking before choosing to consume it. Sometimes this includes means seeking out professional help.