What Organs Does Alcohol Affect?

Alcohol can affect all parts of life. Family dynamics and relationships can be hurt deeply by alcohol addiction. Even after one ditches alcohol, there is potential for dry drunk syndrome to come into play. Beyond the emotional and mental difficulties that come along with the overconsumption of alcohol, it can be a burden on the body. Too much drinking can lead to serious health issues. 

What Organs Does Alcohol Affect? 

It’s no secret that alcohol does a number on the body. Studies have found that in small quantities, alcohol can be beneficial, but it doesn’t take much to cross this sweet spot. Many organs are damaged by drinking, whether that’s in excess or not. 

• Brain: Alcohol consumption suppresses the function of neurotransmitters in the brain. Brain processing slows, and dopamine levels increase. Alcoholic beverages can lead to happiness, drowsiness, and a calm feeling. Overdoing it can lead to unconsciousness or a coma. Alcohol can change the way the brain works, making it harder to focus and move around or act in a coordinated fashion. Drinking can even change the way the brain looks. 
• Heart: Heavy drinking is linked to heart conditions. Overdrinking can lead to cardiomyopathy and an increased risk of stroke. Excessive drinking can also lead to high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. Just a little drinking can lead to heart damage. Alcohol can cause obesity and weight gain, which can lead to many more issues, including ones with the heart. 
• Liver: The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenases break down alcohol, releasing the toxic agent acetaldehyde into the bloodstream. The body gets rid of this poisonous agent through sweat and urine, but it remains even after drinking. The liver doesn’t process alcohol any faster as you consume more and more of it.The liver is the main organ that comes to mind for most people when thinking about the damage alcohol can do to the body. Heavy drinking can lead to liver problems, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver. 
• Pancreas: The pancreas works to produce digestive enzymes and insulin. Unfortunately, the pancreas can be damaged from excessive drinking. Alcohol causes the pancreas to make toxic substances that can lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis involves swelling and pain in the pancreas. This can cause issues with digestion. Acute pancreatitis can turn into chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can cause other serious problems and, in severe cases, even death. 
• Stomach: Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining. It can take alcohol anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes for alcohol to reach the bloodstream. Because it can take a while for alcohol effects to hit, people forget this at the moment and drink more and more.Drinking alcohol is associated with acid reflux, where acid rises from the stomach into the throat. There is evidence to suggest that alcoholic drinks can make the stomach produce more acid than usual. This increase can wear on the stomach lining, which leads to inflammation and pain. If this pattern continues, this can lead to ulcers. 

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Alcohol can harm the body beyond just organs. Some studies have found that drinking in excess can increase the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers. Alcohol can lead to a range of cancers. A link between drinking and mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, rectum, breast, and liver cancers has been found.  

Alcohol can compromise the immune system. Drinking doesn’t have to be done in excessive amounts to see these issues. Just five drinks in one night can suppress the immune system for a day. Heavy drinking can lead to more intense sickness and longer-lasting symptoms. The body has to work harder to fight off illness and heal. 

Are you or a loved one struggling to cut out alcohol? Pride Detox can help. Alcohol rehab can make all the difference. Our attentive staff will work with you one-on-one to create a recovery plan for your needs and goals. If you or a fellow LGBTQ person you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is within reach. Call 1-562-525-5121 today!