Being drunk makes you more likely to get hurt or killed. Alcohol is involved in many deadly car crashes. (Photo information)
Effects of Alcohol on Bodies and Brains
These are just some of the problems alcohol can cause:
Alcohol Poisoning
You can die from drinking a lot of alcohol at one time.
Diseases
Heavy drinking over the years can raise your risk for stroke (brain injury from a blood clot), cancer, liver disease, and other illnesses. People can forget to use condoms when they're drunk, have unsafe sex, and get HIV/AIDS and hepatitis (a liver disease).
Hurts the Baby
If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it can cause mental retardation and other health problems in the baby.
You Can Get Hurt or Killed
Being drunk makes you more likely to get hurt or killed. Alcohol is involved in:
- 60% of fatal burns, drownings, and murders
- 50% of severe injuries and sexual attacks
- 40% of fatal driving crashes, falls, and suicides
Brain Damage
Long-term alcohol abuse can permanently hurt your brain cells. This can make it hard to walk, remember, or learn new things.
Addiction
You can get addicted to alcohol just like other drugs. Fortunately, there are medicines and other treatments that can help someone recover from alcohol addiction.