Alcohol and health risks
Alcohol affects the central nervous system and affects your mood, cognition and behaviour. Drinking inhibits your brain's functions so movement, coordination and speech are impaired.
Other effects include:
- blurred vision
- headaches
- dehydration
- aggression
- depression
- nausea
- vomiting
- black outs
- sleep deprivation
Excessive drinking can also lead to short-term risks including injury, violence, falls, drowning, unprotected sex and accidental death.
Heavy drinking while you're young can set you up for long-term risks including cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, memory loss, anxiety, depression, weight gain, alcohol dependence, diabetes and sexual dysfunction.
For more information on health issues related to alcohol consumption visit Australian Alcohol Guidelines section of the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Ageing or the following organisations:
- Queensland Health
- NSW Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy
- Alcohol Concern (UK)
- Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand
Last reviewed 29 September 2010