Impacts of Alcohol on your Health

Heavy drinking can impact your health in many ways. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) define heavy drinking for men as having five or more drinks on any day (15 or more drinks per week), and for women as having four or more drinks on any day (eight or more drinks per week). While some of these effects may be short-term, others can last longer. Here are some of the key effects:

• Physical Health: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues such as:
  • Liver disease
  • Digestive problems
  • Heart problems
  • Diabetes complications
  • Sexual function and menstruation issues
  • Eye problems
  • Birth defects
  • Bone damage
  • Neurological complications
  • Weakened immune system
  • Increased risk of cancer
• Mental Health: Alcohol can affect the brain, leading to issues such as:
  • Memory loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol dependence
  • Alcohol addiction
• Behavioral Effects: Alcohol can affect a person’s behavior. Drinking high amounts of alcohol can lead to participating in risky behaviors such as drunk driving or unprotected sex. It can negatively affect your personal and professional relationships including those with family members, friends, partners and coworkers.
• Weight Gain: Alcohol can be high in calories. When you take in extra calories without burning them, it can lead to weight gain, which in turn increases the risk of many health problems.
• Sleep Disorders: Although some people may use alcohol to fall asleep, it can actually disrupt your sleep.

Please be aware these effects can vary greatly depending on factors such as: the amount of alcohol you drink, how often you drink alcohol, how your body processes and responds to alcohol your overall health. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about the appropriate level of alcohol for you. Click here for more information about how alcohol can affect your mood and mental health.

Resources

If you need help to quit or limit your drinking, get in contact with your installation’s substance misuse treatment program, as they provide screenings to help identify what type of support you need and what treatment would work best for you. They offer inpatient, partial inpatient, and outpatient treatment options.

Military OneSource
Support for Military Personnel & Families | Military OneSource. It is a DoD supported service offering 24/7 confidential support and are specialized in helping military members, families, and veterans. Services are provided CONUS and OCONUS via call-in, live chat, and text on their website and mobile app.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

You can also call the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free and confidential treatment referral and information service (provided in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders and is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Check out additional resources for Service members (and for professionals who educate, support or work with Service members) here.