Understanding alcohol’s impact on your health Table of Contents
A brightly colored cosmopolitan is the drink of choice for the
glamorous characters in Sex and the City. James Bond depends on
his famous martini—shaken, not stirred—to unwind with after
confounding a villain. And what wedding concludes without a
champagne toast? Alcohol is part of our culture—it helps us
celebrate and socialize, and it enhances our religious
ceremonies. But drinking too much—on a single occasion or over
time—can have serious consequences for our health. Most
Americans recognize that drinking too much can lead to accidents
and dependence. But that’s only part of the story. In addition
to these serious problems, alcohol abuse can damage organs,
weaken the immune system, and contribute to cancers. Plus, much
like smoking, alcohol affects different people differently.
Genes, environment, and even diet can play a role in whether you
develop an alcohol-related disease. On the flip side, some
people actually may benefit from drinking a