Alcohol: A Real Threat to Your Health

In 2024, alcohol was responsible for more than 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases in the first half of the year. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Alcohol is officially classified as a carcinogen, significantly increasing the risk of various types of cancer. Among them are breast cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer. Every drink you have increases the risk of facing these deadly diseases.

In 2024, alcohol was responsible for more than 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases in the first half of the year. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Alcohol is officially classified as a carcinogen, significantly increasing the risk of various types of cancer. Among them are breast cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer. Every drink you have increases the risk of facing these deadly diseases.

Why Should You Avoid Alcohol?
Alcohol destroys the central nervous system. When you drink, the alcohol enters your bloodstream and penetrates the cells, disrupting their normal function. This isn’t just a temporary loss of coordination; it’s actual cellular damage. The more you drink, the more your cells suffer, leading to a decline in memory, concentration, and cognitive function. Many people don’t realize that even a single drink can harm your brain. And the more often this "harmful habit" is repeated, the harder it becomes to repair the damaged nerve cells.

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Alcohol?
Ethanol, when it enters your body, undergoes an oxidation process. This chemical reaction leads to the destruction of tissues and cells. This results in the formation of ulcers, burns, and damage, especially in the stomach, esophagus, and liver. Ethanol affects these organs by disrupting their normal functioning. For example, liver cells can be permanently damaged, leading to cirrhosis or even liver failure. It’s important to note that the harm from alcohol isn’t limited to just strong drinks. The same destructive processes happen with wine, which also contains ethanol.

How Does Alcohol Affect the Most Important Organs?
Out of all the organs affected by alcohol, the brain, heart, and liver take the hardest hits. Every time you drink, even small amounts, alcohol damages the cells of your brain’s cortex. This can be compared to the gradual destruction of the structure of a house — you may not see changes right away, but over time, your brain loses its ability to function as it once did. This results in numbness and the death of brain cells, affecting your memory, learning abilities, and intellect.

Alcohol also has a significant impact on the heart. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and other diseases that damage the cardiovascular system. Regular consumption can lead to arrhythmia, and in severe cases, heart failure.

And then there’s the liver. The liver is responsible for processing all toxins, including ethanol. However, when alcohol is consumed frequently, the liver doesn’t have time to recover from the damage. This leads to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and in the worst cases, liver cancer.

How to Protect Yourself?
Alcohol is more than just a way to unwind or have fun. It’s a serious threat to your health that can destroy everything — from your nervous system to your internal organs. Be honest with yourself: the more you drink, the faster your body starts to change. The sooner you make the decision to reduce or completely eliminate alcohol, the easier it will be to restore your health and regain the normal functioning of your organs. Take care of yourself, and remember: health is the foundation of your strength and confidence.