Long-term health effects of drinking alcohol
- Learning for Life and Work
- May 5, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
When a young person drinks alcohol often, this has an impact on the young person's health and well-being. Depending on how much is taken and the physical condition of the young person, drinking alcohol could have long-term effects on their health that may include:
Depression
Alcohol is an anxiety inducing drug which may lead to depression and this will affect the young person's ability to cope with life’s problems.
Diabetes
Drinking a lot of alcohol may cause diabetes as alcohol affects the levels of sugar in the blood, especially if drinking alcohol with high levels of sugar, e.g. alcopops.
Liver problems, such as cirrhosis
The liver cannot cope with excessive amounts of alcohol as it becomes over-worked and eventually tires and finds it difficult to function properly.
Heart problems
Drinking alcohol can lead to heart problems as too much pressure is put on the heart to function properly. This could lead on to high blood pressure and developing diseases of the heart.
Obesity
Drinking alcohol may lead to a poor diet as the body craves fatty foods such as chips and crisps when alcohol has been taken. This may lead to obesity/weight problems in the future.
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Name one long-term health effect of drinking alcohol (1mark)
Liver problems (such as cirrhosis)
Explain two ways drinking alcohol can negatively affect a young person’s health and well-being (4 marks)
Drinking alcohol can lead to depression. Alcohol is a drug that can increase anxiety and lower mood. This may cause a young person to feel low or unable to cope with everyday problems. (2 marks)
Alcohol can also lead to liver problems. If a young person drinks too much over time, the liver becomes damaged and struggles to work properly, which can lead to serious long-term health issues. (2 marks)
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