What Are the Systemic Effects of Alcohol?

Short-term effects of alcohol can include vomiting, depression, decreased ability for sexual performance, loss of muscle control, blackouts, dizziness -- sometimes referred to as "the bed-spins" -- disorientation and nausea. Long-term effects on the body can include cancer, damage to the liver and brain, stroke, organ failure, stunted intellectual abilities and diabetes.

Appearance

• Specifically in cases of alcoholics, alcohol can effect the appearance of an individual by glassy eyes, breakouts in the skin and cracked lips. Alcohol can drive one to be either overweight due to additional calorie intake or underweight and undernourished by having alcohol take precedence over nutrients otherwise received from food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Hangover

• The cause of a hangover has been linked to several factors including dehydration due to alcohol's effect on the bladder, drunkenness and toxin intake. There are many suggested methods of hangover prevention such as controlled alcohol consumption, drinking water in between alcoholic beverages as to thin the alcohol or drinking on a full stomach.

Liver

• The liver is a glandular organ that detoxifies poisonous substances, protecting the body from their harmful effects. When forced to absorb too much alcohol at once, the liver will produce the toxic substance acetaldehyde which can affect the stomach, liver, and brain. Excess consumption of alcohol can cause liver disease and liver failure.

Brain

• Alcohol can effect the brain by way of shrinkage, deterioration and causing damage to the frontal lobes of the brain, which control our emotions and personality. Alcohol can also deny a person's inhibition and judgement, leading them to do something they would not otherwise do in a sober frame of mind.

Pregnancy

• During pregnancy whatever you drink your baby also drinks, including alcohol. Alcohol is a teratogen, which is an agent that interferes with development of an embryo. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in a miscarriage or birth complications. Drinking during pregnancy can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which could result in growth problems, facial disfigurement, disorders involving the nervous system and stunted intellectual growth. Consumption can also affect the child through breast milk, which can become contaminated with alcohol.