12 Harmful Effects of Excessive Alcohol Consumption on the Body

1. Liver: steatosis → hepatitis → cirrhosis.
2. Heart: hypertension, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke.
3. GI: gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, malabsorption.
4. Neurologic: cognitive decline, Wernicke-Korsakoff, neuropathy.
5. Immune suppression – infection susceptibility.
6. Nutritional deficiencies – B vitamins, folate, magnesium.
7. Weight gain – empty calories.
8. Cancer risk – oral, esophageal, liver, breast, colorectal.
9. Dehydration – diuretic effect.
10. Sleep disruption – fragmented sleep, apnea.
11. Mental health – depression, anxiety, AUD.
12. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders – prenatal exposure.

Moderation (≤1 drink/day women, ≤2 men) or abstinence minimizes harm.