Have you ever asked yourself, “How does alcohol affect my brain?”
If you haven’t, you should. Whilst drinking with your friends may seem all fun and games, there may be long and short-term effects that you aren’t considering. We’re not talking about the odd tipple or a glass of wine over dinner. Rather, we’re looking at binge drinking, or having enough to make you feel like death the following morning.
Let’s see why heavy drinking may not be the best idea, especially while you’re in varsity!
How Much is Too Much?
A glass of wine at dinner is perfectly normal, but a bottle of wine might be a problem. Heavy drinking is considered to be 4 drinks in a day or 14 or more drinks in a week for men and 3 drinks in a day or 7 or more drinks in a week for women.
It doens’t sound like a lot, does it? If you find that you are drinking heavily and often, maybe considering the effects of heavy drinking could help.
Short-Term Effects
You may be familiar with the short-term effects of alcohol consumption as being drunk and disorderly, perhaps slurring, falling over, and making bad decisions regarding your ex.
But these aren’t the only short-term effects of alcohol, nor are they the worst. Consuming a large quantity of alcohol in one sitting can result in alcohol poisoning which is not as much fun as it sounds.
One article on the topic notes the following:
“Alcohol poisoning is a dangerous and potentially deadly consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time. Alcohol poisoning symptoms may include:
- Problems with remaining conscious.
- Respiratory suppression.
- Heart rate slowing.
- Permanent cognitive disruption or impairment.
- In the worst cases, death.”
Long Term Effects
Alcohol is the most widely abused drug in the world. Yes, we say “drug” because it is an addictive substance.
Not many people think about the long-term effects of drinking alcohol. (And no, it isn’t the hangover you have the next day.) Drinking excessively can result in liver, heart and digestion issues and even cancer. Your poor body is permanently trying to fix what the drink has broken, and filter out the poisons that you keep topping it up with. Something’s got to give!
Not only does drinking affect your body, but it also affects your mental health. Anxiety and depression are very common in people who have been drinking for long periods of time as it has a direct impact on the brain itself. Not forgetting having to deal with the consequences of heavy drinking such as financial and family issues. It’s an unhappy treadmill.
Having a glass of wine or two with friends isn’t world-ending, but heavy drinking or drinking every day may not be the best idea. So why not cut down on your alcohol consumption so that “Will this alcohol affect my brain?” isn’t a question that’s on your mind?
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