Drinking Alcohol – Short and Long Term Risks

Even though many people drink alcohol at a lower-risk level – others don’t. Binge drinking (4 or more on one occasion for women and 5 or more for men) is the most harmful to your health. ¹  Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink to reduce your risk of alcohol related problems.

Short Term Health Risks ¹, ²

Alcohol use, especially binge drinking, has immediate effects that increase the risk of harm including:

• Violence
  

  Fights, intimate partner violence, and child abuse.

• Risky sexual behaviors
  

  Unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, and increased risk of sexual assault. These behaviors can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. 

• Alcohol poisoning 
  

  A medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels that can cause passing out, low blood pressure, low body temperature, coma, problems breathing, or even death.

• Unintentional injuries
  

  Traffic injuries (drinking and driving), falls, drowning, burns, and unintentional firearm injuries.

Long Term Health Risks ¹, ², ³

Over time, alcohol use can lead to the development of many physical, emotional, mental, and social problems including:

• Heart problems
  

  Heart attack, heart disease and high blood pressure.

• Cancer
  

  Cancers of the head & neck, liver, colon, and breast. In general, the risk of cancer rises with increasing intake of alcohol.  If you drink & smoke cigarettes, the risk of developing certain cancers is even greater.

• Mental health problems
  

  Alcohol dependence, depression, anxiety, and suicide.

• Social problems
  

  Unemployment, financial crisis, and family/friend problems.

• Stroke

• Liver disease

• Stomach problems

Find out more information on How You Can Reduce Your Alcohol Risks.