How Drinking Excessive Alcohol Affects Your Health

Overview

Did you know that nearly one in four Australians drinks alcohol at risky levels?¹ While moderate alcohol use may fit into some people’s social lives, heavy drinking can cause significant health risks. In Australia, “excessive” typically means consuming over 10 standard drinks per week, or more than 4 standard drinks or more at any one occasion². Moderate drinking and excessive drinking are very different; one stays within recommended guidelines, the other crosses or exceeds them.

What counts as excessive drinking?

A standard drink in Australia contains 10 g of pure alcohol³. Here are some examples:

• 100 ml of wine (approximately)= 1 standard drink

• 285 ml full-strength beer = about 1.1 standard drinks

Australian guidelines (for healthy adults)

The current guidelines by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend:

• No more than 10 standard drinks per week, and

• No more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

Note: No amount of alcohol is completely safe; the less you drink, the safer you are. Hence, when alcohol intake goes beyond those limits, especially consistently, it’s no longer moderate; it becomes “excessive.”

Short-term effects

When you drink heavily on a single occasion or over a short period, you may experience:

• Slurred speech, poor coordination, and slower reflexes

• Headaches and dizziness

• Nausea, vomiting, and dehydration

• Reduced inhibitions leading to risky behaviour (e.g., unsafe sex, accidents)

• Hangovers and poor sleep quality

• Accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment

These effects highlight that alcohol’s influence isn’t limited to your internal systems; it affects your thinking, coordination, and judgment.

Long-term health effects

If heavy drinking becomes habitual, it can harm many of the body’s systems. Below are major areas of impact:

Brain and mental health

• Memory loss, depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of stroke and dementia⁴.

• Increased risk of alcohol dependence and addiction.

Heart and circulation

• High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and a weakened cardiac muscle.

• Higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other circulation problems.

Liver and digestion

• Fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

• Pancreatitis and other digestive system issues

Immune and metabolic health

• Weakened immune system

• Weight gain, poor blood sugar control, and a higher risk of diabetes.

Cancer risk

• Increased risk of mouth, throat, liver, breast, and bowel cancers.

Effects on daily life

It’s not just your body that’s impacted by excessive drinking; it can also disrupt your everyday life, from your energy levels and concentration to your relationships and finances.

• Poor concentration or productivity

• Relationship and family stress

• Financial strain

• Sleep disruption and low energy or fatigue

Alcohol and mental health

Heavy drinking and mental health are closely connected. While a drink may seem to calm you in the moment, in the longer term it can:

• Worsen anxiety and depression

• Lead to dependence; drinking just to feel “normal”

• Interfere with the treatment of mental health problems

If you’re feeling low or drinking to handle stress, it’s time to seek professional help.

How much is too much?

Healthy adults should aim for no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. However, and as alcohol in itself is a toxin, there’s no risk-free level of alcohol; drinking less means less harm. A great way to start is by tracking your drinking. Using an app or a simple log can help you understand your habits and compare them with the guidelines.

When to consult a doctor

Seek medical help if:

• Your drinking is affecting your work, relationships, or mood

• You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms

• You want help to reduce or stop drinking safely, especially after long-term heavy use.

How Hola Health can help

At Hola Health, we understand that reducing or abstaining from drinking can be challenging, and professional support can have a significant impact.

• You can speak to an online GP for guidance on reducing alcohol safely

• You can get support for withdrawal, mental health, or prescription medications if needed

Ready to take the first step? Book a telehealth appointment with Hola Health to discuss safe ways to reduce or quit alcohol.

Conclusion

Excessive alcohol consumption can impact almost every organ in the body, from the brain and heart to the liver, immune system and mental health. The positive news is that your health can start to improve quickly once you reduce your intake. If you’re worried about your drinking or need support, Hola Health’s online doctors are here to help you take the first step towards a healthier, alcohol-free life.

FAQs

What is considered excessive drinking in Australia?

Drinking more than 10 standard drinks per week, or more than 4 standard drinks on any day, raises your risk of alcohol-related harm.

Can drinking alcohol every day harm your liver?

Yes, even moderate daily drinking, without taking breaks, can increase the risk of liver problems such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

How long does it take for your body to recover from heavy drinking?

It depends on the extent of the damage, your general health, nutrition, and the duration of your drinking. Fatty liver may resolve within weeks of quitting drinking, but cirrhosis and other severe damage are often irreversible.

Does alcohol affect mental health?

Yes, heavy or frequent use of alcohol can trigger, worsen, or complicate mental health conditions and increase the risk of dependence.

Is it safe to quit drinking suddenly?

If you’ve been drinking heavily over a long period, quitting abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, sometimes quite severe. It’s best to consult a GP or addiction specialist before quitting.

Where can I get online help to stop drinking?

Online telehealth services such as Hola Health, as well as non-profit support services like hotlines and community alcohol services, are available.