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What Alcohol Does to Our Body When It Enters Our System: WHO-Based Explanation

 

 Alcohol and the Human Body — More Dangerous Than You Think

Whether it’s weekend drinking, parties, or “social gatherings,” alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed substances in India.
But very few people actually know what happens inside the body the moment alcohol enters the bloodstream.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is responsible for 3 million deaths every year worldwide, and it is associated with more than 200 diseases and health conditions.

This means — even “moderate” drinking affects every organ of your body, not just the liver.

Let’s break down what actually happens, step-by-step, when alcohol enters your body.



How Alcohol Enters Your Body (Simple Science)

Step 1: Alcohol Enters the Stomach Within Minutes

After the first sip:

  • 20% of alcohol is absorbed directly through the stomach walls

  • 80% goes into the small intestine, where it enters the bloodstream rapidly

There is no digestion for alcohol — it immediately becomes a toxin your body tries to remove.

What Happens Next: Alcohol in the Bloodstream

The Blood Carries Alcohol Everywhere

Once alcohol is in the blood:

  • It reaches the brain

  • It goes to the liver

  • It affects the heart

  • It touches the kidneys, pancreas, muscles and even your skin

This is why WHO defines alcohol as a system-wide toxic substance.

Organ-by-Organ: What Alcohol Does to Your Body (WHO-Based)

1. Brain: Slows Down Your Central Nervous System

Alcohol is a depressant.

It causes:

  • Slowed thinking

  • Bad decision-making

  • Loss of coordination

  • Blurred vision

  • Mood changes

  • Memory loss

  • Emotional instability (anger, sadness, anxiety)

This is why people “lose control” — their brain signals slow down.

WHO warns that repeated drinking damages:

  • Brain cells

  • Frontal lobe (decision making)

  • Hippocampus (memory)

2. Liver: The Main Organ That Suffers First

The liver tries to detoxify alcohol, but it can only break down a limited amount per hour.

Excess alcohol causes:

  • Fatty liver

  • Liver inflammation (hepatitis)

  • Liver scarring (cirrhosis)

  • Liver failure

WHO confirms no amount of alcohol is safe for liver health.

3. Heart: Increases Blood Pressure and Weakens Heart Muscles

Alcohol affects the heart within hours.

Effects:

  • Increased heart rate

  • High blood pressure

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Weakened heart muscles

  • Higher risk of stroke and heart attack

WHO classifies alcohol as a major risk factor for heart disease in young adults.

4. Stomach & Digestive System: Irritation and Gut Damage

Alcohol irritates the entire digestive system.

Problems include:

  • Acid reflux

  • Stomach ulcers

  • Vomiting

  • Bloating

  • Poor nutrient absorption

Long-term drinking destroys the gut microbiome, weakening immunity.

5. Kidneys: Dehydration & Toxic Overload

Alcohol makes your kidneys work harder.

It causes:

  • Excess urination

  • Rapid dehydration

  • Electrolyte imbalance

  • Kidney stress

  • Reduced filtration capacity

This is why hangovers feel terrible — you’re extremely dehydrated.

6. Pancreas: Dangerous Inflammation (Pancreatitis)

Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic chemicals.

This leads to:

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Digestive issues

  • Chronic pancreatitis

  • Higher risk of pancreatic cancer

WHO reports even occasional binge drinking can trigger pancreatic damage.

7. Immune System: Weakens Your Body's Defense System

Just a single night of heavy drinking can reduce immunity for up to 24 hours.

Effects:

  • Higher infection risk

  • Slow wound healing

  • Higher risk of pneumonia & TB (especially in India)

8. Skin & Hormones: Visible Signs Alcohol Is Harming You

Alcohol causes:

  • Dull skin

  • Puffiness

  • Acne flare-ups

  • Faster aging

  • Redness and rashes

Alcohol also lowers testosterone, affecting:

  • Hair growth

  • Muscle recovery

  • Energy levels

  • Libido

What Happens Within Hours of Drinking? (Timeline)

After 10 Minutes

Alcohol enters bloodstream.

After 20–30 Minutes

Euphoria and lowered inhibitions.

After 1–2 Hours

Judgment declines, speech slurs, coordination drops.

After 4–6 Hours

Dehydration starts, headache begins.

Next Morning

Hangover symptoms caused by:

  • Dehydration

  • Loss of electrolytes

  • Acetaldehyde buildup (a toxic alcohol byproduct)

Next Few Days

Hormonal disruption, poor sleep, mental fog.

Long-Term Effects of Regular Drinking (WHO-Listed)

1. Cancer Risk Increases

WHO classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen — same category as tobacco.

Alcohol increases risk of:

  • Liver cancer

  • Breast cancer

  • Mouth cancer

  • Throat cancer

  • Esophageal cancer

  • Colon cancer

2. Mental Health Declines

Alcohol increases:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Poor memory

3. Sexual Health Problems

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Low libido

  • Low sperm count

  • Hormonal imbalance

4. Obesity & Metabolic Issues

Alcohol increases:

  • Belly fat

  • Fat storage

  • Blood sugar fluctuation

Is Any Amount of Alcohol Safe? WHO Says NO

In 2023, the WHO clearly stated:

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Even small amounts increase health risks.

If You Drink, How Can You Reduce Harm?

✔️ Drink slowly

✔️ Eat before drinking

✔️ Drink water between drinks

✔️ Avoid binge drinking

✔️ Never mix alcohol with smoking

✔️ Never drive

✔️ Take 48 hours between sessions

Conclusion: Alcohol Damages Every Organ — Choose Wisely

Alcohol is not “fun,” “cool,” or “normal.”
It’s a toxin that affects the entire body within minutes.

Understanding how alcohol works inside your system helps you make better choices for:

  • Your health

  • Your fitness

  • Your mental well-being

  • Your future

Stay informed.
Stay aware.
Stay Swasthaay.

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