Heavy drinking on a regular basis may increase the risk of serious health problems including alcohol dependence, sometimes called alcoholism; mood changes; pancreatic problems; liver cirrhosis; some cancers and many other types of physical and emotional health problems that have been well documented. In extreme cases, heavy drinking can result in alcohol poisoning, coma, brain damage and death.
Potential effects of short-term heavy drinking
Even drinking to excess occasionally can have serious consequences. It impairs your judgment and can increase the likelihood of participating in risky behaviours that could result in injuries, accidents, unsafe sex, being a victim of a crime or getting into trouble with the police. Drinking very large amounts in one session can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, which in turn can result in unconsciousness, a coma, or even death.
