- Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world, specifically falling into the category of central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
- It slows down brain and nerve activity and inhibits the functioning of various vital functions in the body.
- Although alcohol has stimulating effects in small quantities, larger amounts lead to negative effects such as delayed reaction time, cognitive impairment, slurred speech and sedation.
Cultural aspects and social role of alcohol
An important reason for alcohol's widespread use is its long and complex history in many cultures, dating back thousands of years. Across civilisations, alcohol has been closely tied to religious ceremonies, festivals, and social events. For example, in ancient Greece and Rome, wine was considered a divine gift and played an integral role in rituals and gatherings. In many cultures, alcohol symbolises hospitality and is a central element of celebrations, weddings, and funerals. This tradition continues today, making abstinence challenging for some due to social norms and the fear of ostracism.
The social role of alcohol is also reflected in its perception as a means of relaxation and networking. It is often seen as a way to reduce social tension, eliminate shyness, improve mood, and facilitate communication. This perception can create social pressure to drink, even for individuals who are aware of its negative impacts on their health and personal lives. The deeply entrenched drinking culture can make declining alcohol difficult, with refusals sometimes viewed as disrespectful or even strange.
Effects on the liver, heart, brain and other organs
It is worth noting that alcohol consumption has serious and wide‑ranging effects on human health, with the liver being one of the most affected organs. It plays a key role in the elimination of waste and foreign substances from the body (or 'detoxification'), the metabolisation of alcohol or drugs and many other processes. When alcohol is drunk in excess over a long period of time, the liver becomes overloaded, often leading to alcoholic hepatitis, steatosis (fatty liver) and cirrhosis - irreversible damage to liver tissue leading to liver failure and, in worse cases, fatal complications.
Alcohol also significantly affects the cardiovascular system. Among the myths reproduced is that its moderate consumption, especially red wine, has positive effects on the heart. But the truth is rather that alcoholic beverages weaken the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. In addition, all consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and strokes. Due to the accumulation of fat in the blood, some individuals also develop atherosclerosis and subsequent myocardial infarction.
Last but not least, another critically affected organ is the brain. Alcohol causes what is known as a neurotoxic effect, leading to short- and long‑term changes in brain function - this includes impaired memory, reduced coordination and behavioural changes or permanent brain damage (including cognitive deficits, dementia and alcoholic encephalopathy). Also affected are neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that are released from neurons and transmit signals across synapses to other neurons, muscle cells or glandular cells. These substances play a key role in the nervous system by facilitating communication between cells and influencing various functions such as mood, sleep and muscle movement. Excessive alcohol consumption thus causes or exacerbates mental disorders.
These organs are among those most affected by alcohol. But they are not the only ones. Others include:
- the pancreas
- the stomach
- kidneys
- oesophagus
- thyroid gland
- sexual organs
Risk of addiction and impact on mental health
One of the most serious risks associated with alcohol consumption is its high potential for addiction. Alcoholism is characterised by an inability to control oneself when consuming alcohol, a strong craving for the drug and continuing to drink despite the negative consequences. Alcohol dependence has intense psychological and social consequences. Most often, it involves a gradual breakdown of family relationships, loss of friends and employment, and profound social isolation. In addition, the treatment process is often demanding and requires long‑term and professional support.
Alcoholic drinks can also wreak havoc on mental health - alcohol is a depressant, which means it can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. While in the short term, it can make you feel relaxed and in a better mood, long‑term alcohol consumption tends to exacerbate depressive or anxious states. Because of its role in chemical processes in the brain, sleep disturbances, mood changes and a general deterioration in mental stability are common. People suffering from mental disorders often find that alcohol tends to make their conditions worse and complicates treatment.
5 scientific studies demonstrating the impact of alcohol on human health
- Immunity impairment: A 2023 Oxford study found that alcohol consumption increases the risk of more than 60 health problems, including liver disease, various cancers, and cardiovascular issues. The study assessed the health effects of over 200 diseases and highlighted the extensive risks associated with alcohol use.
- Cardiovascular problems: Recent research challenges the long‑held belief that moderate alcohol consumption benefits heart health. The findings indicate that moderate drinkers do not have a lower risk of death compared to lifelong non‑drinkers. This suggests that perceived benefits may be due to other healthy lifestyle factors rather than alcohol itself.
- Increased mortality: Another study identified a concerning rise in alcohol‑related deaths in the United States, particularly among women. This underscores alcohol consumption as a growing public health problem with serious implications for mortality rates.
- Negative impacts on mental health: As outlined above, research has long shown that alcohol significantly increases the risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol use creates a vicious cycle of addiction and worsening mental health, highlighting its role in exacerbating these conditions.
- Alcohol and cancer risk: The NIAAA meta‑analysis demonstrates that even low levels of alcohol consumption raise the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. The study emphasises that the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, reinforcing its classification as a known human carcinogen.
How do you ask for help?
Deciding to stop drinking alcohol is the first and most important step to better health and a better quality of life. But admitting that you have a problem with alcohol and need help is difficult for many. Talking to someone you trust - a family member, close friend or colleague - can be helpful. This person will provide you with emotional support and help you find the right resources and professionals to treat this addiction.
Today, there are many specialised services and organisations available to help individuals struggling with alcoholism. The easiest option is to contact your GP, who can recommend appropriate treatment programs and connect you with psychologists or psychiatrists specialising in addiction. You can also use free hotlines or online counselling services, where experts can give you immediate support and guide you to the next steps. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide support, where you can find a safe and non‑judgmental environment with people experiencing similar feelings. The most important thing to remember is that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards regaining control of your life and health.
What to take away from this?
One of the most widely used psychoactive substances, alcohol, has been and continues to be an integral part of social life. This is despite the fact that it is a drug with significant and fatal consequences for human mental and physical health. Alcohol slows down the brain, affects the liver, impairs cardiovascular health and promotes depressive or anxiety states. If you, too, feel that you are struggling with alcoholism or might in the future, do not hesitate to reach out to loved ones and professionals who can help you with this problem.