What alcohol is doing to you
Alcohol affects far more than the liver. It can change sleep, mood, memory, judgement, relationships, work and physical health.
Your body Alcohol affects organs and systems throughout the body.
Regular heavy drinking can affect the liver, heart, blood pressure, digestive system, immune system and the risk of several cancers.
If you are worried alcohol is affecting your health, book an appointment with your GP. Tell them honestly how much you are drinking and what symptoms you have noticed.
Read what alcohol does to your body → Find alcohol support and local services in Scotland ↗Your brain Alcohol changes judgement, memory, coordination and how the brain handles stress and reward.
These effects do not end the moment you stop feeling drunk. Repeated heavy drinking can change how your brain responds to alcohol and to everyday life.
Read what alcohol does to your brain →Sleep and mood Alcohol may make you sleepy, but it usually makes sleep less restorative.
It can also worsen anxiety, low mood and irritability, particularly as alcohol wears off.
If anxiety or low mood is becoming difficult to cope with, speak to your GP. Breathing Space is also available for anyone in Scotland aged 16 or over who feels low, anxious or depressed.
Read about alcohol and mental health → Breathing Space — 0800 83 85 87 Call Samaritans — 116 123, free 24 hours a day CallYour everyday life The effects often show up outside health first.
More arguments or secrecy.
Poorer concentration or missed work.
Spending more than you intended.
Taking more risks.
Less interest in other parts of life.
More time spent drinking or recovering.
If alcohol is causing money problems, missed bills or debt, Citizens Advice Scotland can put you through to your local bureau.
Citizens Advice Scotland — 0800 028 1456 Call Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau ↗If you are worried You do not need to wait for one dramatic event before taking it seriously.
If alcohol is repeatedly causing problems or feels harder to control, that is enough reason to look at it properly.
You can start with your GP, Drinkline Scotland or a local alcohol service. If you want to speak to other people who have stopped drinking, Alcoholics Anonymous has meetings across Scotland.
Read Is my drinking a problem? → Drinkline Scotland — 0800 7314 314 Call Alcoholics Anonymous — 0800 9177 650 Call Find an AA meeting near you ↗ Find local alcohol and drug services in Scotland ↗