For many of us, alcohol is embedded in our social and cultural activities. We go to happy hour after work, we give toasts at weddings, and we drink to celebrate and mark occasions. Oftentimes, we aren’t thinking about how much or how often we consume alcohol or its effects on the body.
From the first sip, alcohol impacts the body—even if you don’t realize it. It impacts us both physically and psychologically. Any amount of alcohol can diminish your judgment and functioning, and even low or moderate alcohol use can have harmful effects on different organs.
Alcohol consumption continues to be on the rise. A 2020 study found that stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to increased alcohol use and misuse.1 Understanding alcohol’s influence on the body can help you make informed decisions about your health and alcohol consumption.
This article discusses the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and how to change your drinking habits.
The Maryland Senior Resource Network, Inc, (MSRN) is a network of select business professionals who offer products and/or services to seniors and caregivers to help seniors remain safe, comfortable and as independent as possible. All members are background checked and held to a strict Code of Conduct.
