What Are the Physical Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Use or Abuse?

West Virginia University's Health Sciences Center states that the short-term effects of using and abusing alcohol may depend on height, weight and age. Alcohol gets used in many social situations because it decreases inhibitions, but too much drinking may lead to significant impairments. Understanding the short-term effects of using alcohol will help you make better decisions before taking a drink.

Impaired Sexual Performance

• Alcohol reduces sexual performance and ability, according to Western Washington University's Division of Student Affairs. It also lowers the sensory perception during sex, making the activity less enjoyable. Sex may not provide as much satisfaction when drinking alcohol as it does when you practice sobriety.

Depression

• West Virginia University's Health Sciences Center states that alcohol causes depression. Because alcohol acts as a depressant, your mood alters the more you drink. As you drink alcohol, you may begin to feel sad about certain things in your life. If you already struggle with depression, alcohol will likely make you feel worse.

Liver Impairment

• Western Washington University's Division of Student Affairs states that alcohol impairs the liver's ability to filter anything out of the bloodstream. The liver must process the alcohol completely before it can get rid of other toxins and waste in your body. This could make it difficult to digest certain foods.

Impaired Judgment

• An immediate effect of alcohol use and abuse includes impaired judgment, according to The Partnership at Drugfree.org. Alcohol causes your decision-making skills to decrease. This may result in you driving while intoxicated and obtaining legal charges. You also may go home with someone that you otherwise would not have, putting yourself in harm's way.

Sleep Disruption

• Alcohol use and abuse decreases the quality of your sleep, according to Western Washington University's Division of Student Affairs. Using alcohol before bed may cause you to wake up at night. While alcohol may reduce your energy level, it will also make it difficult for you to fall into a deep sleep.