What Happens When You Drink Alcohol EveryDay?
Let's be honest, winding down with a drink at the end of a stressful day is pretty common. A glass of wine, a bottle of beer, or a quick shot is a normal thing and has become a way to catch up with friends. It may seem pretty harmless at the beginning, or health is the last thing to think about when you are young. But when this turns into a daily habit and ageing, have you ever paused to wonder, what happens when you drink alcohol everyday?
At Jagruti Rehab in Delhi, we see firsthand how innocent habits spiral into dependency due to stress. In most cases, it begins looking harmless, like social drinking after work, a celebratory toast here and there, etc. However, over time, this casual relationship with alcohol often evolves into dependence. Below in the blog, we will discuss what happens when you drink alcohol everyday on your body, mind, and life.
Defining Daily Alcohol Consumption and Its Levels
Before diving deep, let us first understand what we mean by "daily drinking."
Daily alcohol consumption means consuming alcoholic beverages every day, regardless of the amount and the type. Now, some may argue, "I only have one glass a day, surely that's not harmful?" Or it's just Beer with the least alcohol percentage. But here's the catch: the risks are not associated with the quantity alone; frequency plays a crucial role, too. Also, frequency adds the risk of addiction, which in turn increases the amount of consumption.
According to health guidelines, moderate drinking means:
- Men: Up to 2 standard drinks per day
- Women: Up to 1 standard drink per day
Anything beyond this consistently can be classified as risky drinking. But even moderate daily drinking may carry hidden consequences, especially over time. So, really, what happens to the body when you drink alcohol every day?
Physical Health Risks of Daily Alcohol Consumption
Let's talk about your body. From head to toe, alcohol touches nearly every organ. When you choose to consume alcohol daily, here is how it affects you:
1. Liver Damage
The liver is your body's detox powerhouse, and alcohol forces it to work overtime. Over the years, drinking regularly leads to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and even cirrhosis, a life-threatening condition.
2. Heart Complications
Contrary to the "red wine is good for the heart" myth, consistent alcohol intake increases the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and cardiomyopathy.
3. Digestive Troubles
Ever felt bloated or gassy after drinking? While some people feel it, some don't. Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining, leading to gastritis, ulcers, and issues in nutrient absorption. It is the reason why most people recommend drinking with food.
4. Increased Cancer Risk
Yes, really. Daily drinking increases the risk of several cancers, especially mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colorectal cancer.
5. Immune System Suppression
Your body's ability to fight off illness can take a hit, making you more prone to infections.
So the next time you ask what happens when you drink alcohol everyday, remember, it's not just about feeling hungover the next morning. Your body silently pays the price.
Psychological Implications of Daily Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol affects more than just your body; it leaves lasting effects on your brain as well. Alcohol is addictive as it makes the brain dependent on it over time. Here is how it affects the brain:
1. Mood Swings and Irritability
Alcohol affects your brain. It causes dependency, which in turn triggers withdrawal symptoms. So, when the brain is not under the influence of alcohol, you start to suffer from mood swings and irritability. Over time, daily consumption can lead to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.
2. Emotional Dependence
Thanks to alcohol, your brain starts believing that without alcohol, you cannot process difficult or stressful things. For example, breakups, work stress, life changes, etc. This emotional crutch can evolve into a full-blown addiction before you realise it.
3. Memory and Cognition Issues
Drinking every day can cause short-term memory loss. It also affects concentration due to brain fog and hangover. If you continue to drink regularly, the continued effect on the brain that affects memory and concentration increases the risk of dementia in later years.
For many, what happens when you drink alcohol for the first time may feel euphoric. The happy and relaxing feeling in times when your life is stressed in reality feels like the ultimate solution. It encourages repeated use and thereby causes dependency. The brain gets used to the substance and starts requiring more alcohol for the same effect, which in other terms is called tolerance/capacity. Higher capacity also means that the brain is struggling to work without it.
Socioeconomic Consequences of Daily Alcohol Consumption
Daily alcohol consumption not just affects your body and mind but also your life, including relationships, work, and finances. Let us understand how:
1. Relationships
Alcohol can strain relationships with everyone around you. It includes your spouse, children, friends, and coworkers. The lack of control often causes arguments due to hurtful comments and neglect. Emotional unavailability, too, is another problem in households affected by alcohol misuse.
2. Work and Productivity
Being hungover or mentally foggy affects your ability to concentrate and perform. Regular drinking affects your image at the workplace. It may cause you to face job losses, demotions, or career stagnation.
3. Financial Strain
Alcohol isn't cheap. Spending daily on drinks, then medical treatments required due to regular drinking, and legal troubles like DUI (Driving Under Influence case) can create serious financial issues.
So, understanding what happens when you drink alcohol everyday isn't just about addiction. It is about how alcohol quietly takes control of your life from you.
Strategies and Treatments
The good news? It's never too late to turn things around. If you or someone you know is wondering how to stop daily drinking, here are a few steps to consider:
1. Recognise the Pattern
The first step is awareness, understanding, and admitting that there is a problem. Realisation helps you to take a step towards wellbeing and seek help.
2. Seek Professional Support
Reach out to a trusted rehab. At Jagruti Rehab, we offer medically supervised detox, counselling, and holistic therapies designed to identify and treat the root cause of addiction, not just the symptoms, and thereby prevent relapses.
3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy used to identify the root causes behind addiction. Addiction is often ingrained in stress, image consciousness, fear, trauma, etc. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy identifies the real cause behind the behaviour, which is drinking. Once identified, the therapist uses CBT to modify the behaviour by changing harmful thought patterns.
4. Support Groups
Groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) can offer community, accountability, and a judgment-free space to heal. A therapist can help you find the ideal support groups for you after you go through the detox and complete de-addiction treatment.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Exercise, nutrition, and meditation all play a crucial role in rebuilding your life without alcohol.
How Can Jagruti Rehab Help You Quit Alcohol Addiction?
Addiction is not easy to deal with, and letting it go is even more difficult. You don't have to go through this alone. At Jagruti Rehab, we understand how addiction works and, more importantly, how recovery works. Our experienced team provides personalised care, safe detox, mental health support, and aftercare planning to help you rebuild a life that doesn't rely on alcohol.
If you have ever asked yourself what happens to the body when you drink alcohol every day, the answer is clear: it suffers. But with the right support, healing is entirely possible. Let today be the day you take the first step.
Visit Jagruti Rehab to explore how we can help you or a loved one reclaim a healthier, alcohol-free future.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. There is no such thing as healthy drinking. Even small amounts of daily alcohol can harm your liver, brain, heart, and emotional health over time.
We have already covered what happens when you drink alcohol for the first time and then every day after that. Occasionally? Maybe. However, daily drinking builds tolerance, increases dependency, and can lead to physical and mental health issues.
There can be many signs of drinking too much. For example, are you seeking reasons to make a toast? People surrounding you are the best judges to tell you if you are drinking too much, and do not rely on the people you drink with for the answer. Some signs that show your health is getting affected by regular drinking include blackouts, poor memory, needing more drinks to feel the same effect, withdrawal symptoms, or inability to stop despite wanting to.
It is not normal to drink alcohol every night. There are people who do that, and mostly are very proud of it, making the habit look classy and sophisticated. It still is unhealthy and harmful to your body. If it has become part of your nightly routine, you need help. You need to take conscious steps to come out of that habit because nothing is more classy than choosing your health.
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Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.
