At certain times of the year, such as St. Patrick’s Day, many people may find themselves drinking in excess, but what some may not realize is the toll binge drinking has on your body. If you are planning on drinking socially or celebrating this month, be sure to stay safe by monitoring your alcohol intake. From the moment you take your first celebratory sip, alcohol can have an impact on your body and your overall health. While celebrating with your loved ones or attending social events where alcohol is involved, be weary of the negative effects that alcohol can have on your body:
Blacking Out
Alcohol can have a serious effect on how your brain stores memories. Drinking in excess puts you at risk of waking up with little recollection of what took place when you were drinking.
Changes in Behavior
Alcohol can change your behavior and render you unable to make clear and safe decisions. Make sure to not drink in excess in order to limit the changes in behavior that you experience and to keep yourself safe.
Heart Damage
Drinking alcohol excessively and on a regular basis can put you at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Liver Damage
Liver damage is quite common among individuals who binge drink. Damaging the liver can prevent the organ from effectively eliminating harmful toxins from your body.
Lung Infections
Those who drink frequently and in excess can have a difficult time fending off certain bacteria and illnesses, making binge drinkers more prone to diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
It is important to always keep your health and safety a number one priority. Make sure you fully understand the negative effects associated with binge drinking and to know your limit with alcohol consumption. If you are concerned about how drinking may be affecting your health, reach out to your primary care physician and schedule an appointment.
Dr. Barbara R Edwards practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.