Consuming alcohol isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it’s when it becomes too much that it can control a person’s life. In moderation, alcohol isn’t terrible for your health, as long as it doesn’t become a habit. However, heavy drinking can quickly turn into an addiction when not properly moderated, leading to negative effects on a person’s health. Here are seven areas of the body that alcohol negatively affects.

1. The Skeletal System

One of the most important parts of the body that is often treated in Utah sober living homes is the skeleton. This is because alcohol inhibits the production of new bone growth, increasing the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. In turn, muscles can become more weak and atrophied.

2. The Circulatory System

Just one occasion of heavy drinking can lead to heart problems; the risk is even higher in women. The increased risk to the heart includes irregular heartbeat, stroke, high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle cells, or a heart attack.

3. The Reproductive System

One of the most common side effects of alcohol abuse is erectile dysfunction in men. The abuse of alcohol inhibits hormone production in both men and women; women can experience decreased menstruation and fertility, as well as the increase of breast cancer.

4. The Central Nervous System

The nerves are an important system, as they are responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. The abuse of alcohol can lead to slurred speech and a lack of coordination. Impulse control is inhibited, leading a person to take more unnecessary risks. Alcohol has a negative impact on memories, can cause numbness, weakness, and even temporary paralysis. Over time, the frontal lobes of the brain will start to shrink, leading to further mental problems.

5. The Immune System

The immune system fights to keep the body healthy. They eliminate germs and viruses in the body. However, alcohol slows this down, making you more prone to infections. The white blood cells become more sluggish and less efficient at doing their jobs properly. As a result, heavy drinkers are at risk for numerous forms of cancer, and developing pneumonia or tuberculosis.

6. The Excretory System

This is the system that is responsible for removing waste from the body. When consumed in high amounts, the pancreas starts to lose its ability to produce insulin and release toxic substances that can cause damage to this important organ. The liver is also damaged, which increases the risk of cirrhosis, hepatitis, and jaundice. Alcohol consumption leads to inflammation of the bladder, kidney, and prostate.

7. The Digestive System

This is the area of the body that is most affected, as alcohol makes it difficult for your intestines to control the absorption of nutrients and to fight off bacteria. Excess alcohol consumption can lead to:

• Hemorrhoids

• Gum disease and toothy decay

• Internal bleeding

• Stomach ulcers

• Damage to the salivary glands

• Acid reflux and heartburn

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or noticed a diminish in their health, it’s important that you speak to a doctor immediately. The key to getting better is itting that you have a problem and taking the proper steps towards recovery.