Alcohol Older What You Know About

Alcohol

* What is it? Alcohol is a drug that can affect your brain and body in many ways. It is found in beer, wine, and liquor.

* How does it work? Alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach and small intestine. It then travels to your brain, where it affects your neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help your brain cells communicate with each other.

* What are the effects of alcohol? Alcohol can have many different effects on your body, including:

* Impaired judgment and coordination

* Slurred speech

* Dizziness

* Nausea and vomiting

* Headache

* Blackouts

* Alcohol poisoning

* What are the risks of alcohol abuse? Alcohol abuse can lead to many health problems, including:

* Liver damage

* Heart disease

* Stroke

* Cancer

* Diabetes

* Obesity

* Mental health problems

* Alcohol dependence

* How can I avoid the risks of alcohol abuse? The best way to avoid the risks of alcohol abuse is to drink in moderation. This means limiting yourself to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. You should also avoid drinking on an empty stomach and avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs.

* If you are concerned about your alcohol use, talk to your doctor.