Alcohol can have both long and short-term effects on a person’s health. Alcohol use disorder is a serious health problem affecting millions of people in the United States and across the world. Most people do not get the help they need to combat the effects of the disorder.
In the short-term alcohol can impair your judgement and slow your reaction times. Alcohol use increases the likelihood for unintended injuries such as falls or choking. Binge drinking or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time can result in alcohol poisoning. Signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Passing out
- Vomiting
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Confusion
- Oxygen deprivation
- Seizures
Even moderate alcohol consumption can cause you to have trouble concentrating and loss of coordination. Many people report having an upset stomach, drowsiness and diarrhea as a result of drinking. Alcohol may also affect your vision and hearing in the short term or cause a decrease in perception.
Driving after consuming alcohol can have fatal results. Due to alcohol’s ability to affect your judgment, reaction time and vision, driving a vehicle can be dangerous. It is recommended that you consider alternative transportation if you plan on drinking. The more you drink the more likely alcohol will have long-term effects on your health.