Alcohol is a depressant that affects concentration and coordination, slowing reaction times and affecting responses to situations, hence the danger when engaging in activities such as driving, working or sport.
Alcohol abuse can affect your body both inside and out. Even though you’re unable to see the damage drinking causes to your internal organs, it’s important not to ignore the warning signs of alcoholism. Sometimes the harmful effects aren’t discovered until much later in life, making it difficult to reverse many health complications.
While the short-term effects, such as lack of coordination, mood changes and nausea are well known, the long-term effects on the body of prolonged and/or excessive drinking can include:
- Loss of feeling in hands and feet.
- Brain damage.
- Loss of memory.
- Hallucinations.
- Confusion.
- High blood pressure.
- Enlarged heart.
- Irregular pulse.
- Increased risk of infections including tuberculosis, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, increased cancer risk, bleeding, ulcers and muscle weakness.
Source : pmgt.org.nz