Alcohol (also known as ethanol) has a number of effects on health. Short-term effects of alcohol consumption include intoxication and dehydration. Long-term effects of alcohol include changes in the metabolism of the liver and brain, with increased risk of several types of cancer and alcohol use disorder. Alcohol intoxication affects the brain, causing slurred speech, clumsiness, and delayed reflexes. There is an increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder for teenagers while their brain is still developing. Adolescents who drink have a higher probability of injury including death.
Observational studies suggest a correlation between low to moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular protective effects. Several studies and meta-analyses have shown a reduction in overall mortality among light to moderate alcohol drinkers compared to lifetime abstainers. A statement from The Lancet in 2022, based on the 2020 Global Burden of Disease Study, noted that for adults over 40 consuming small amounts of alcohol may reduce risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.