Alcohol has been a favorite drink to many for centuries now. Taking a regulated amount every once in a while does not have significant long term health effects. However, abusing the beverage by drinking too much of it or too often can be quite harmful to your health. For starters, it leads to addiction, which results in a vicious drinking cycle. The effects of addiction may vary from one person to another depending on factors such as gender, age, family history, and state of health. Below are some of the most common effects of alcohol addiction.
Damages the Nervous System
The human nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and a network of nerves. One of the significant effects of alcohol is that it slows down the nervous system because it is a depressant. This means that the neurotransmitters that allow communication between the brain and your body work much slower. Short-term effects include impaired vision, alertness, and judgment. Coordination and speech might also get affected.
The effects of chronic or long-term drinking on the nervous system are much worse. It can even result in permanent damage to the nervous system. Some of the common effects include memory loss, coordination problems, sleep disorders, peripheral neuropathy, depression, and seizures, among many others.
Affects Body Organs
Alcohol Addiction can also result in several organ problems. For the heart, it can result in a stroke, hypertension, arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy. The effects on the liver include cirrhosis, fibrosis, steatosis, and alcohol …