If you have children who will finish high school soon, educate them about the effects of alcohol. College is a time when many kids start drinking, a habit that can continue well into adulthood. Here, learn what alcohol testing centers want parents to know about how the substance affects the body so they can pass the information on to their sons or daughters.

5 Detrimental Effects of Alcohol

1. Contributes to Early Onset Dementia

Heavy alcohol use, which is defined as three drinks per day for women and four to five drinks per day for men, has been linked to early dementia. The amnesia-like effect alcohol has on the brain causes cognitive abnormalities that can eventually result in dementia symptoms such as memory loss, concentration difficulties, disorientation, depression, and anxiety.

2. Damages the Liver

Since the body recognizes alcohol as a toxin, the liver works overtime to flush it out. It also encourages fat to be stored in liver cells and scars the organ, resulting in cirrhosis.

3. Causes Weight Gain

When the liver works extra hard to remove large amounts of alcohol from the body, your metabolism slows down. Any food consumed before, during, or after drinking is subsequently more likely to be stored as fat than burned as energy. Alcohol testing facilities note that weight gain is common among binge drinkers because their metabolisms have slowed.

4. Harms Heart Health

Alcohol damages the heart in numerous ways. It increases blood pressure by triggering the release of stress hormones that cause blood vessels to constrict, which subsequently increases the risk of stroke. Alcohol also puts excess cholesterol in the blood to make heart disease more likely.

5. Increases Cancer Risk

Heavy drinkers increase their susceptibility to liver, mouth, throat, and breast cancers because alcohol equals more free radicals in the body that cause cell oxidation. Cancer vulnerability also intensifies because the body turns the substance into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that damages cells, DNA, and proteins. 

For more alcohol education, turn to Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening. Known for fast and friendly service, this Eddy County, NM-based facility offers drug and alcohol counseling, as well as creates customized drug and alcohol testing packages for clients. Call (575) 746-3404 today to make an appointment or learn more about their screening services online.