BRAIN
Alcohol can affect brain function in as little as 3 minutes.
Long-term alcohol abuse can impair brain and nerve function
by accelerating the loss of brain cells.
B. MOUTH
Small amounts of alcohol are absorbed into the soft tissues
of the mouth.
C. ESOPHAGUS
Alcohol is toxic to the cells lining the esophagus;
heavy drinking increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
D. HEART
Alcohol abuse can lead to high blood pressure,
scar-tissue formation, and increased heart size due
to the accumulation of fat.
E. LIVER
Between 80 and 90 percent of alcohol intake is
metabolized here. Heavy drinking causes the liver to
become fatty and enlarged, which leads to scarring
known as cirrhosis.
F. STOMACH
Up to 20 percent of the alcohol in a drink is
absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach.
Alcohol abuse causes inflammation, pain,
bleeding, and various forms of gastritis.
G. PANCREAS
Alcohol abuse inflames the pancreas much the
way it does the liver and heart, causing
dysfunction and possible failure of the organ
over time.
H. SMALL INTESTINE
Up to 80 percent of the alcohol in a drink is absorbed into the
bloodstream here. Heavy drinking can cause inflammation,
pain, and bleeding.