Alcohol affects many body systems and can lead to serious health issues. It damages the nervous system, causes declines in mental abilities, and increases risks of various cancers. The liver is especially impacted, with drinking able to cause fatty liver, swelling, cirrhosis, and liver failure over time. Alcohol also weakens the immune system, raises blood pressure and heart risks, decreases bone density, and can cause kidney failure with heavy long-term use. For women, drinking impacts menstruation and increases breast cancer risk, while men may have reduced testes size and muscle mass over time. Drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and permanent birth defects in the child.

1. Alcohol and Its Effects