Short-Term & Long-Term Alcohol Effects

Find out how a former problem drinker managed against all the odds to overcome his problem drinking forever.

Certain alcohol effects are more obvious than others, including dizziness and the inevitable headache that follows. However, there are many other short-term alcohol effects that occur as the stomach absorbs alcohol, which also enters the bloodstream and proceeds to the tissues. The actual effects depend on a variety of factors, including an individual's size and weight, age, sex and the amount of food and/or alcohol consumed.


Short-term alcohol effects may include, but are not limited to, slurred speech, excessive talking, disruptive sleep, nausea and vomiting. Even if consumed in small quantities, one of the more serious alcohol effects is that of the impaired judgement that is needed in order to operate an automobile safely and effectively. Short-term alcohol effects may also include a violent temperament, including domestic and/or child abuse.

When alcohol is consumed on an ongoing basis, short-term alcohol effects are overshadowed by long-term impairments. Withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur as a result of alcohol addiction and may include extreme anxiety, convulsions, tremors and even hallucinations. Other long-term alcohol effects include possible brain and liver damage and fetal alcohol syndrome for infants who are born from an addicted mother. These infants often suffer other problems as a result of the mother's addiction, including mental retardation and physical abnormalities. In addition, children who have alcoholic parents are believed to possess a greater risk of addiction themselves.

Research indicates that alcohol effects not only relate to those who drink, but may also extend to the alcoholic's children and other family. In addition to the physical alcohol effects as discussed in this article, there are also mental effects associated with alcoholism. This illness often causes increased depression as those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol may begin to experience domestic and family problems, trouble meeting their employment requirements and other misfortunes that occur as a result of addiction. In some cases, alcohol effects may also include job loss, divorce and court battles for child custody.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding alcoholism. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best way to eliminate alcohol effects from his/her life. Individuals are urged to ask their physician about in-patient or out-patient treatment programs.