What are the effects of alcohol?

* Central nervous system: Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time. It can also cause drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss.

* Heart: Alcohol can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also damage the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.

* Liver: Alcohol can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis, a serious liver disease.

* Stomach: Alcohol can irritate the stomach and cause gastritis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.

* Intestines: Alcohol can damage the intestines and cause diarrhea and malabsorption, a condition in which the body does not absorb nutrients properly.

* Immune system: Alcohol can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to infections.

* Cancer: Alcohol can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and breast cancer.

* Pregnancy: Alcohol can harm a developing fetus and cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition characterized by mental and physical disabilities.

* Birth defects: Alcohol can cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate.

* Stillbirth: Alcohol can increase the risk of stillbirth.

* Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): Alcohol can increase the risk of SIDS.

* Bone loss: Alcohol can cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

* Dry mouth: Alcohol can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.

Psychological effects of alcohol

* Mood swings: Alcohol can cause mood swings, including euphoria, irritability, and depression.

* Anxiety: Alcohol can worsen anxiety disorders.

* Insomnia: Alcohol can interfere with sleep and cause insomnia.

* Hallucinations: Alcohol can cause hallucinations, which are false sensory perceptions.

* Delirium tremens (DTs): DTs is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and death.

* Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by compulsive alcohol use, despite negative consequences.

Social effects of alcohol

* Violence: Alcohol is a major factor in violence, including domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault.

* Crime: Alcohol is a major factor in crime, including drunk driving, theft, and assault.

* Unemployment: Alcohol abuse can lead to unemployment and financial problems.

* Relationship problems: Alcohol abuse can damage relationships with family and friends.

* Social isolation: Alcohol abuse can lead to social isolation and loneliness.