Short-term Negative Effects Of Alcohol Consumption

June 30, 2015

Short-term Negative Effects Of Alcohol Consumption

Recreational alcohol consumption can provide a pleasant respite from the strains and stresses of our daily lives. But it's not without its dangers. Even if you don't drink regularly, a heavy episode can lead to serious threats to our well being, including mental impairment, physiological ill effects, and even death. Always stay informed of how much you and your loved ones have consumed by tracking your blood alcohol content (BAC) with a BACtrack Professional Grade Breathalyzer.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol use is the 3rd-leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the U.S. Major health issues associated with recreational drinking can be prevented by understanding risks related to short-term alcohol consumption. Here are a selection of some of the dangers of recreational alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Poisoning	Causes loss of consciousness (blackout), low blood pressure, low body temperature, respiratory depression, coma, and potentially death
Anemia	Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness
Attention Span	Diminishes mental focus for up to 48 hours
Body Odor	Five to 10% of consumed alcohol leaves the body via the breath, sweat, and urine
Brain	Reduces capacity to learn and retain information due to compromised hippocampus and REM sleep
Cardiovascular	Raises blood pressure and enhances potential of stroke
Endurance	Decreases stamina by inhibiting absorption of key vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc
Eyes	Causes tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye, called the sclera, to become dilated and inflamed, or “bloodshot,” and affects eye motor control
Hangover	Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
Injury	Alcohol impairment can cause traffic accidents, falls, drowning, burns, cuts, contusions, firearm mishaps, and other injuries
Insomnia	Interferes with normal sleep cycles
Low Blood Sugar and Diabetes	May cause dangerous low blood sugar for individuals on insulin and certain oral diabetes medications
Medication Interactions	Increases drowsiness, risk of liver damage (e.g., acetaminophen), and feelings of intoxication (e.g. antidepressants)
Muscles	Impedes muscle growth by dehydrating the body, stifling HGH production, lowering testosterone, and inhibiting normal healing processes