Overview
- Alcohol reaches the brain in about 10 minutes and depresses the central nervous system, progressing from disinhibition to confusion or ethanol coma at high doses.
- The liver converts ethanol to acetaldehyde and then acetate, and heavy intake can saturate enzymes, elevating blood alcohol levels and burdening the organ.
- Chronic use increases risks of fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, several cancers, hypertension, arrhythmias, cognitive decline, mental health problems, and disrupted deep sleep.
- Even low consumption can weaken immune responses, with impact shaped by sex, body size, age, genetics, food intake, and medications; women often experience stronger effects.
- Holiday guidance includes limiting intake, alternating with water, avoiding an empty stomach, and strict abstinence during pregnancy or adolescence, before driving, or with certain medications.