Alcohol is often associated with celebrations. But too much alcohol can cause both short-term and long-term harmful effects and can cause death. This article shows you the other side of alcohol - something that doesn't call for a celebration
A person who drinks frequently, or drinks a lot may become addicted to alcohol.
Some signs of alcohol dependency include a strong urge to drink; the ability to drink larger quantities of alcohol without appearing intoxicated; persistent drinking; and undergoing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking [2].
Studies have shown that for each additional year earlier than 21 that an individual began to drink, the greater the odds that he or she would develop alcohol dependence at some point in life [3].
Alcohol poisoning is the most life-threatening consequence of binge drinking. When a person drinks too much, his or her body reflexes are affected. These include breathing and the pharyngeal reflex. The pharyngeal reflex, also known as gag reflex, helps to prevent choking. If this reflex is not functioning well, one may die from choking on his or her vomit.
Some other signs of alcohol poisoning include:
If a person shows signs of alcohol poisoning, lay him on his side and call for immediate medical attention. Alcohol poisoning can be deadly [4].
Drinking alcohol excessively and frequently for a long period of time can cause harm to several parts of the body.
Read these next:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm Accessed 1 Feb 2022.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2021, "Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison between DSM-4 and DSM-5", Accessed from:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-use-disorder-comparison-between-dsm on 1 Feb 2022.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "Early Drinking Linked to Higher Lifetime Alcoholism", 2006. Accessed from: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-drinking-linked-higher-lifetime-alcoholism-risk on 1 Feb 2022.
National Health Service, "Alcohol Poisoning", 2019.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-poisoning/ Accessed 1 Feb 2022
This article was last reviewed on 22 Nov 2023
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