Effects of Alcohol on the Body and Brain Over Time

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol is absorbed through the digestive system, affecting various organs, with the liver being the primary site for metabolism.
• Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage and increased disease risk, including cancer.
• Alcohol’s impact on the brain includes neurotransmission interference, CNS depression and potential for neuronal injury and brain tissue contraction.
• Heavy drinking can result in pancreatitis, liver inflammation and disruptions to the gut microbiome, leading to ‘leaky gut’ and nutrient absorption issues.
• Alcohol metabolism in the liver can cause steatosis, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Immediate effects of alcohol include behavioral changes, impaired motor functions and at high levels, life-threatening conditions like hypotension and hypothermia.
• Alcohol-related brain damage can lead to cognitive impairments, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by memory loss and confusion.
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often coexists with other mental health conditions, complicating treatment and recovery.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body Biochemically

Alcohol’s interaction with the human body is a complex biochemical process that begins with its absorption and ends with its metabolism and excretion. Upon consumption, alcohol is absorbed through the digestive system into the bloodstream. This initial phase is crucial as it determines the onset of alcohol’s effects. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol is distributed throughout the body, affecting various organ systems.

The effect of alcohol on the brain is particularly notable, as it interferes with neurotransmission, leading to the depression of Central Nervous System (CNS), activity, neuronal injury and even brain tissue contraction. These alterations can manifest as changes in mood, behavior and motor functions. The pancreas and liver are also at risk, with heavy drinking leading to conditions such as pancreatitis and liver inflammation. 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides comprehensive insights into the myriad ways alcohol can affect these and other organs in the body, underscoring the importance of understanding alcohol’s full impact on health.

Alcohol Absorption Mechanics of the Digestive System

Once ingested, alcohol enters the stomach and small intestine, where it moves across the mucosa and into the blood vessels. The rate of alcohol absorption can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the concentration of alcohol in the beverage, the presence of food in the stomach and individual differences such as body size and overall health. 

Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with disruptions to the gut microbiome, leading to a condition known as dysbiosis. This imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation and damage to the gut lining, a phenomenon often referred to as ‘leaky gut.’ This damage allows substances that are normally contained within the gut, such as bacterial endotoxins, to enter the bloodstream.

Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the digestive system’s ability to absorb nutrients effectively. It inhibits the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, which can exacerbate the nutritional deficiencies often seen in individuals with chronic alcohol use. The impact on nutrient absorption is particularly notable with vitamins such as thiamine (vitamin B1), which is critical for brain function and can be severely depleted by heavy alcohol use.

Metabolism of Alcohol by the Liver

The liver serves as the primary site for the metabolism of alcohol, with hepatocytes playing a crucial role in this process. Alcohol metabolism involves several pathways, but the most significant is the enzymatic oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde, primarily facilitated by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and to a lesser extent by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1).

Chronic or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an accumulation of lipids within the liver cells, known as steatosis, due to an increase in fatty acid uptake and de novo lipogenesis, coupled with a decrease in lipid clearance mechanisms like mitochondrial β-oxidation and secretion of lipids in very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL).  This lipid accumulation can progress to alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma.

How Alcohol Instantly Alters the Body and Brain

The immediate effects of alcohol consumption are predominantly manifested in the CNS and can range from mild behavioral changes to severe impairment of motor functions. At higher levels of intoxication, alcohol can lead to drowsiness, coma and even life-threatening conditions such as hypotension and hypothermia.

Alcohol’s interaction with the CNS includes the depression of excitatory nerve pathway activity, neuronal injury and the potential to cause irreversible brain damage. Its effects on the body also include the potential to exacerbate symptoms of existing CNS disorders and contribute to the development of new ones.

Central Nervous System Impairments

When alcohol is consumed, it can lead to neurotoxic effects in the CNS and promote the development of neurological diseases such as stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Research indicates that excessive drinking can cause neuro-immunological changes, irreversible brain injury and compromise the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to alterations in the tight junctions of endothelial cells and white matter thickness.

Alcohol affects motor control by altering the function of brain cells, impacting how they send, receive and process signals. Furthermore, alcohol’s depressive effects on the CNS can be observed through neuroimaging technologies, which reveal alcohol-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Physical Impairments

Alcohol consumption leads to a range of physical impairments that can affect an individual’s ability to communicate and move effectively, including: 

• Slurred speech: A result of alcohol’s depressant effect on the CNS which hampers the coordination and timing required for clear articulation. This symptom is often one of the first indicators of alcohol’s impact on the body.

• Loss of coordination: Alcohol affects physical coordination and balance, leading to unsteady movements and difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills. These effects can manifest after only a few drinks. The immediate impact on the CNS can include delayed reaction times, which makes activities like driving particularly dangerous.
  

Chronic Health Risks of Long-term Alcohol Consumption

Chronic heavy drinking is a major risk factor for digestive system cancers, including those of the esophagus, liver and pancreas. It can also lead to conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis and gastrointestinal diseases. The suppression of neurological pathways responsible for breathing can result in respiratory issues and an elevated risk of pneumonias.

Moreover, excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of blood or brain vessel blockage diseases. Alcohol’s detrimental effects extend to the CNS, where it can cause depression, neuronal injury and even contribute to cognitive decline in seniors.

Liver Cirrhosis

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a spectrum of liver diseases, with cirrhosis representing the most advanced stage. Cirrhosis is characterized by severe scarring and poor liver function as a result of long-term liver damage. Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) progresses from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and ultimately to alcoholic cirrhosis, which is irreversible.

Statistics reveal a concerning rise in ALD, particularly among younger individuals, women and certain ethnic groups. This trend highlights the need for increased awareness and targeted interventions to address the growing burden of ALD. For those at the cirrhosis stage, treatment options become more limited, often necessitating liver transplantation as a last resort.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to severe neurological disorders, one of which is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and store thiamine, leading to the development of WKS. The syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms, including memory loss, confusion and problems with muscle coordination.

Without prompt treatment, which includes thiamine supplementation, some symptoms may be irreversible. The NIAAA emphasizes the importance of abstaining from alcohol to prevent further brain damage and notes that symptoms may vary from reversible muscle and vision problems to more persistent neurological deficits.

How Alcohol Contributes to Worsening Mental Health

The NIAAA highlights that over 40% of individuals with AUD also experience another substance use disorder (SUD) and this dual diagnosis can complicate treatment and recovery processes. Research indicates a bidirectional link between alcohol use and mental health disorders. 

For instance, the central amygdala, which plays a role in anxiety and alcohol circuits, undergoes neuroadaptations due to chronic alcohol use, similar to those observed after chronic stress. This shared neurobiology suggests that the common occurrence of anxiety or mood disorders alongside AUD may stem from overlapping neural dysregulation. 

Chronic exposure to alcohol can lead to dysregulation of stress responses, contributing to heightened alcohol cravings and increased chances of relapse. Additionally, individuals with psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression are more likely to engage in unhealthy alcohol use compared to those without these conditions.

Bidirectional Dynamic of Alcohol and Depression

The intricate relationship between alcohol consumption and depression is characterized by a bidirectional dynamic, where not only can depression lead to increased alcohol use, but excessive alcohol consumption can also give rise to depressive symptoms. 

This complex interplay suggests that alcohol may serve as a coping mechanism for some individuals dealing with depression, subsequently increasing the risk of developing AUD. Conversely, the habitual use of alcohol can exacerbate or potentially trigger depressive episodes.

Alcohol Feeding the Anxiety Loop

Alcohol initially provides temporary relief from anxiety by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is linked to stress and sleep regulation. However, this relief is fleeting, as alcohol ultimately disrupts these chemical processes, leading to increased anxiety levels, a phenomenon often referred to as ‘hangxiety’. This can result in a vicious cycle where individuals consume alcohol to alleviate anxiety, only to find that it exacerbates their symptoms in the long run.

Withdrawal symptoms, including heightened anxiety, can occur even with moderate alcohol consumption, complicating the recovery process. Effective strategies to break this cycle include a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy and, if necessary, medication. It’s important to be mindful of the interactions between anxiety medications and alcohol, as mixing the two can lead to adverse effects. For those struggling with this cycle, it’s essential to seek professional help.

Social Ramifications of Alcohol Consumption

Our World in Data reports that globally, alcohol causes 2.8 million premature deaths annually, underscoring its significant health impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that various individual and societal factors influence alcohol consumption and related harm. 

Alcohol’s impact extends to sustainable development, adversely affecting 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It can perpetuate poverty, strain water resources, contribute to human rights abuses and exacerbate the climate crisis, as reported by the Institute of Alcohol Studies.

Impact on Relationships

The strain of addiction can manifest in various detrimental ways, affecting both personal and professional relationships. One of the primary issues is communication breakdown, where the individual with AUD may become withdrawn, leading to feelings of isolation and resentment in their partner. This can damage the relationship irreparably.

Financial strain is another common consequence of alcoholism in relationships. The cost of alcohol, coupled with potential loss of income due to impaired work performance, can lead to significant financial difficulties. Intimacy issues also arise, as alcohol can alter one’s personality and behavior, fostering an environment of deception and mistrust.

Furthermore, alcoholism is often linked to aggressive behavior, with acute intoxication playing a role in nearly half of all violent crimes and sexual assaults. This aggression can extend to domestic settings, increasing the risk of intimate partner violence. Children in families affected by AUD may experience confusion and emotional distress due to the unpredictable behavior of the addicted parent.

Societal Costs of Alcohol

The societal impact of alcohol extends far beyond individual health concerns, affecting the broader economic and social fabric. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that in the United States alone, the economic burden of excessive drinking reached $249 billion in 2010, translating to $2.05 per drink or $807 per person. The majority of these costs, approximately 71.9%, were attributed to lost productivity resulting from alcohol-related issues.

Healthcare costs represent a substantial portion of the economic impact, with a focus on Minnesota indicating that in 2019, excessive drinking led to an estimated $7.85 billion in costs, including $1.91 billion related to crime and a significant share due to healthcare expenses and motor vehicle crashes. 

Furthermore, the criminal justice system bears a considerable financial burden, with a notable percentage of crimes not solely attributable to alcohol, such as assault, still being linked to its influence. The intertwining of alcohol with crime highlights the complexity of addressing alcohol-related societal costs, which extend to areas like social welfare administration and property damage.

Get Expert Help for Treatment of Alcohol Addiction

For those seeking alcohol addiction treatment, The Recovery Village Indianapolis Drug and Alcohol Rehab stands as a beacon of hope. Located within the heart of Indy, we offer a comprehensive array of treatment options, including medical detox, inpatient care, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services. 

When you or a loved one are ready to embark on the path to recovery, our Recovery Advocates are here, ready to assist. Reach out to learn more about our tailored treatment programs, designed to cater to your specific needs and situation.