Why Exactly is Alcohol Bad for You?
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Medically reviewed by Michael Kobernick, M.D.
You likely know alcohol is bad for you.
The U.S. Surgeon General in January issued an advisory about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. The World Health Organization says there is no safe amount of alcohol. It impairs decision-making, impulse-control and coordination, leading to more than 13,000 alcohol-impaired car crash fatalities annually.
But alcohol remains a popular beverage; there are more than $250 billion in alcohol sales in the United States each year. Here is what to know about the negative health effects of alcohol and why it’s bad for you.
The health risks of alcohol
Regularly drinking alcohol is connected to several diseases and chronic conditions, such as:
- Cancer, including breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box
- Heart and vascular problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease
- Digestive disorders
- Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Liver disease
- Weaker immune system
There are about 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and about 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths annually in the U.S. Even moderate consumption is linked to increase risk of cancer:
- Women who drink one alcoholic beverage per day increase their risk of developing cancer by 19%.
- Men who drink one alcoholic beverage per day increase their risk of developing cancer by 11.4%.
Why exactly is alcohol bad for you?
In short, alcohol is poison. Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance that has dependence-producing properties. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen.
When you drink, your body metabolizes the alcohol, which breaks down into a byproduct called acetaldehyde. This in turn breaks down into other toxic byproducts that can damage the liver, brain, pancreas and DNA.
Alcohol also causes cell damage and inflammation, which can lead to tissue and organ damage over time. Excessive drinking, for example, can cause the liver tissue to become thicker and make blood flow more difficult. Eventually, the organ will stop working as it should. The heart can become damaged and weaker, which makes it harder to pump blood.
Excessive drinking is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as:
- Binge drinking: Four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men at one time.
- Heavy drinking: Eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men in one week.
A weakened immune system can make it more difficult to fight infection and disease, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol also disrupts sleep, which is essential for overall physical and mental health. Because alcohol is addictive, it may lead to people developing alcohol use disorder. This can also involve challenges with work and relationships.
The CDC advises adults not drink or drink in moderation with one drink or less a day for women and two drinks or less in a day for men.
Reducing or eliminating alcohol supports long-term health and reduces your risk of chronic conditions, which can keep premiums lower and reduce the amount of money you spend on health care. Replacing alcoholic beverages with mocktails can provide an enjoyable drink without the dangers.
Anyone who struggles to stop drinking should talk to their health care provider.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can help members find an in-network mental health professional by calling behavioral health access lines listed below:
PPO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-762-2382
- A free and confidential resource that’s just a call away when you need immediate support. Behavioral health professionals answer, 24/7.
HMO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-482-5982
- Connect with a behavioral health clinician if you need help finding a mental health or substance use provider.
- Behavioral health clinicians are available for routine assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For urgent concerns after hours, clinicians are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about mental health and options you have as a member to seek help at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth.
Image: Getty Images
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