Can you reverse the effects of alcohol?

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Alcohol can severely damage your body, but not all effects are permanent. Many organs, including the liver, begin to heal once you stop drinking. A 2021 study highlights that “even after years of heavy alcohol use, the liver has a remarkable regenerative capacity and, following alcohol removal, can recover a significant portion of its original mass and function.”

Piano, PhD suggests that alcohol-induced damage to the cardiovascular system can be partially reversed with abstinence, especially in cases of alcoholic cardiomyopathy treated with heart failure therapies.

Damage to the brain can last long after alcohol consumption ends.

We understand the challenges you and your body face in overcoming alcohol addiction. Ardu can guide you through every step of your recovery with care and expertise.

Contact our alcohol addiction treatment center and take the first step towards a healthier, alcohol-free future.

What are the negative effects of alcohol?

The dangers of alcohol extend far beyond just a hangover or occasional poor decision. Despite its social acceptance, alcohol is a drug and a toxin that can seriously damage your health. A 2014 study published in Alcohol Research posits that alcohol is solely responsible for over 25 chronic diseases and conditions listed in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

Researchers from the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences confirm that excessive drinking contributes to the onset and progression of detrimental health conditions in consumers.

Alcohol seldom leaves any system untouched as far as leaving its impression is concerned, spanning from single tissue involvement to complex organ system manifestations. Almost all the major organs that make up a human’s physiological being are dramatically affected by the overconsumption of alcohol.

Here are ten major negative impacts of heavy drinking that you should be concerned about:

Brain and cognition
Liver function
Cardiovascular system
Digestive system
Pancreas
Kidneys
Endocrine system
Immune health
Skin health
Oral and dental health

Brain damage from heavy drinking

Heavy drinking is particularly bad for the brain and nearly all cognitive functions.

Chronic alcohol use shrinks overall brain volume and disrupts the balance of crucial neurotransmitters. Daviet, et. al. show that “alcohol intake is negatively associated with global brain volume measures, regional gray matter volumes, and white matter microstructure.”
Heavy alcohol consumption impairs the hippocampus, causing short-term memory loss (blackouts) and long-term effects on cognition. A group of researchers explain that chronic alcohol abuse shrinks the hippocampus, leading to persistent memory problems and learning difficulties.
Prolonged alcohol abuse damages the cerebellum. A 2015 study shows that impaired cerebellum results in problems with balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s reward system, making people more susceptible to addictive behavior.

Liver disease from alcohol

Heavy drinking ravages the liver, progressively destroying its ability to function and protect the body from toxins.

Alcohol metabolism generates toxic and highly reactive byproducts that trigger inflammation and liver cell death. Maher, M. D. proposes that “liver injury may be caused by direct toxicity of metabolic by-products of alcohol as well as by inflammation induced by these byproducts.”
Continued alcohol consumption increases inflammation that will inevitably cause permanent liver damage. Osna, et. al. explain that “chronic and excessive alcohol consumption produces a wide spectrum of hepatic lesions, the most characteristic of which are steatosis, hepatitis, and fibrosis/cirrhosis.”
Chronic alcohol abuse significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.

Cardiovascular disease caused by alcohol

Alcohol’s toxic effects on the cardiovascular system may be far-reaching and potentially deadly. Here’s why:

Chronic alcohol consumption raises blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder. This is a major risk factor for hypertension-related complications such as stroke and heart failure.
Prolonged heavy drinking weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, leading to alcoholic cardiomyopathy. A 2016 study shows that excessive drinking leads to alcoholic cardiomyopathy, “which is defined as alcohol toxicity to the heart muscle itself by ethanol and its metabolites.” This condition reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Alcohol disrupts normal heart rhythms and increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and other dangerous arrhythmias.
Research shows that excessive alcohol intake damages blood vessels, promoting atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and contributing to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease.

GI tract disruption from small amounts of alcohol

Alcohol wreaks havoc on the entire digestive system, from the mouth to the colon. It causes immediate irritation and long-term damage.

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, causing gastritis and increasing gut permeability. This allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, leading to a host of digestive issues.
Bode and Bode propose that drinking disrupts normal digestive functions, interfering with gastric acid production and intestinal muscle movements. This can result in chronic diarrhea, which is common among heavy drinkers.
Alcohol weakens the esophageal sphincter and damages the esophagus lining. This not only causes uncomfortable acid reflux but also raises the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Alcohol damages the pancreas and leads to pancreatitis

Alcohol’s toxic effects on the pancreas are severe. Chronic drinking can lead to devastating conditions such as pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer.

Alcohol triggers inflammation in the pancreas which causes acute pancreatitis (sudden, severe attacks) or chronic pancreatitis (ongoing damage). A 2010 study suggests that alcohol’s metabolite acetaldehyde is toxic to pancreatic acinar cells, the type of pancreas cell that produces digestive juices.
Chronic alcohol-induced pancreatic damage impairs the organ’s ability to produce insulin, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes. This disrupts blood sugar regulation and can cause serious long-term health complications.
Long-term abuse of alcohol significantly increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The chronic inflammation and cellular damage caused by alcohol create an environment conducive to cancer development.

Kidney damage from excessive drinking

Alcohol’s impact on the kidneys is often overlooked but can be severe and long-lasting.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, heavy drinking doubles the risk of kidney disease. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to renal diseases such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and even kidney cancer.
Alcohol interferes with the kidneys’ ability to filter blood and maintain fluid balance. This causes widespread dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure, which in turn damages the kidneys’ delicate filtration system, creating a vicious cycle of kidney deterioration.

Hormone disruption from alcohol

Booze disrupts the hormonal balance in both men and women.

According to Balhara and Deb, alcohol impairs thyroid function in both sexes, slowing metabolism and potentially contributing to weight gain and fatigue.
In men, alcohol suppresses testosterone production. When testosterone isn’t functioning properly, men experience decreased libido, fertility issues, and erectile dysfunction.
For women, alcohol increases estrogen levels, which can disrupt menstrual cycles, increase breast cancer risk, and cause fertility problems.
Spencer and Hutchison postulate that alcohol stimulates the HPA axis, initially increasing stress hormone levels (cortisol). This leads to premature aging and health issues, while chronic consumption may eventually impair the body’s stress response system.

Read about the health risks of alcohol for men, and learn all about how ladies can suffer from heavy alcohol use as well.

Immune system impairment from alcohol

Excessive drinking suppresses your immune system and weakens immune cells that combat infection.

According to a 2015 study, there was a clear “association between excessive alcohol consumption and adverse immune-related health effects.”
Alcohol interferes with the normal production and function of white blood cells, which form the body’s defense against microorganisms and other foreign substances. Ballard, M.D. explains that chronic alcohol use leaves the body more vulnerable to both acute and chronic infections.
Alcohol disrupts the balance of gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in maintaining overall immune health.

Skin damage from heavy alcohol consumption

Alcohol’s detrimental effects on skin health are extensive and visible. Even moderate consumption can significantly impact your skin’s appearance and health.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin, wreaking havoc on your complexion. Its inflammatory properties widen blood vessels. As they expand to allow more fluid to leak out, they further deprive your skin cells of water. This also results in a puffy, swollen appearance and outbreaks of redness and flushing. Read more about the mechanisms by which alcohol makes your skin red and swollen.
Alcohol accelerates skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin. This causes premature wrinkling and sagging.
Chronic alcohol consumption can exacerbate skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. It impairs the skin’s ability to heal and fight off infections, making it more susceptible to breakouts and other skin problems.

Oral and dental health issues from alcohol

Alcohol consumption impairs your oral and dental health. It leads to tooth decay, dry mouth, gum disease, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Here’s how:

Alcoholic beverages with high sugar content contribute to tooth decay. In combination with sugar, alcohol’s inflammatory and toxic effects promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
A 2001 study found that people who drank five or more alcoholic beverages per week were 1.65 times more likely to have bleeding gums. They were also 1.36 times more likely to suffer from loss of connective tissue.
Alcohol consumption reduces saliva production, leading to dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because saliva cleanses the mouth and neutralizes acids.
A 2018 study found that heavy drinkers have up to a 20% higher chance of developing oral cancer than those who don’t drink. Alcohol damages the cells in the mouth and throat, making them more susceptible to malignant changes. It acts as a solvent that enhances the penetration of carcinogens into the mucosal cells of the mouth and throat.

We’re not saying that it’s easy to quit drinking. Many people relapse just to escape the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. It’s a challenging cycle—but a necessary one if you want to break free from the hold of alcohol addiction.

The first important thing to do is to flush the toxins out of your body. Ardu’s alcohol detox program gets you started with recovery and offers ongoing support and care you need to overcome your alcohol use disorder (AUD) and start anew.

Which organ systems can recover?

When you take booze out of the equation, many of its damaging effects can be reversed. The extent and speed of recovery are influenced by how long and how heavily you’ve been drinking. Some organs have remarkable regenerative capabilities, while others may take longer to heal or retain some permanent damage.

Here are the organ systems that have the highest potential to heal after you stop drinking:

The liver has remarkable regenerative abilities. Although it’s one of the organs that heavy drinking hits the hardest, when you stop drinking, your liver can recover. With abstinence, alcohol-related liver disease can often be reversed within a few weeks to months. Even in cases of more advanced liver damage, improvement is possible, though complete recovery may not occur in severe liver cirrhosis. According to Thomes, et. al., “abstinence from alcohol is considered the most effective therapeutic strategy to recover from alcoholic liver disease, and there is clear evidence that abstinence can improve outcomes at nearly all stages of this disease.”
The heart can partially recover from alcohol-induced damage. Blood pressure often normalizes within weeks of quitting, and the heart muscle strengthens over time. Thomes, et. al. also maintain that stopping alcohol use may lead to significant improvement in left ventricular function in humans with alcoholic cardiomyopathy, although scarring from alcoholic cardiomyopathy may be permanent. Cardiac arrhythmias and other irregularities observed during the acute period of alcohol cessation typically cease within 2 weeks after alcohol consumption is stopped.
The stomach and intestines can heal relatively quickly. A 3-week abstinence from alcohol allows the gut barrier function to recover. The gut’s bacterial balance takes longer to recover from alcohol’s effects, with changes lasting over a month after quitting drinking. Even within three weeks of abstinence, there’s an increase in helpful bacteria in the gut, aiding the overall digestive health.
Acute pancreatitis often resolves with abstinence, while chronic pancreatitis may show partial improvement. Singer, et. al. posit that abstinence allows the pancreas to initiate repair processes that are hindered by ongoing alcohol use. The pancreas regains some of its ability to produce insulin and digestive enzymes, but severe damage may not fully reverse.
When you stop drinking, kidney function can show significant improvement. One of the benefits is the reduction in blood pressure, which alleviates stress on the kidneys. This reduction in strain allows the kidneys to function more effectively and can lead to better overall health. If chronic kidney disease has already developed, complete recovery may not be achievable.
The immune system can bounce back relatively quickly after quitting alcohol. Within weeks to months, white blood cell production normalizes and overall immune function improves. Pasala, et. al. suggest that after 30 days of abstinence from alcohol, lymphocyte numbers returned to normal levels in people who had previously been heavy drinkers. Lymphocytes play a vital role in the body’s defense against infections and diseases, so even short-term abstinence can recover the immune function.
When you stop drinking alcohol, your skin begins to recover within weeks. Hydration levels increase rapidly, reducing dryness and improving overall skin texture. Inflammation decreases, reducing puffiness and giving you a more even skin tone. Some effects of long-term drinking, such as broken capillaries, may persist even after quitting alcohol.

Recovery is a process that takes time. For some people, improvements can continue for months or even years after quitting. The best thing you can do for your overall health and skin is to stop drinking entirely.

Contact Ardu Recovery Center and get personalized treatment plans to support you on your journey to recovery and better health.

Which organs suffer permanent damage?

While some effects of alcohol can be reversed with abstinence, many forms of damage caused by heavy drinking are permanent and irreversible.

The brain and the nervous system may undergo irreversible damage

Apart from the liver, your brain suffers the most from binge drinking. Abstinence may improve focus and restore normal cognitive functions. It may also reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance overall brain health and nerve function.

However, the brain often suffers irreversible damage induced by alcohol.

Alcohol kills brain cells that don’t grow back, leading to lasting memory problems and cognitive issues.
Chronic drinking can shrink your brain, permanently affecting decision-making and emotional regulation. Oscar-Berman and Marinkovic suggest that “alcoholics who are susceptible to alcohol toxicity may develop permanent or transient cognitive deficits associated with brain shrinkage.”
Chronic alcohol use can damage the white matter in the brain, impairing communication between different brain regions and affecting cognitive and motor functions.
Alcohol damages nerves throughout your body, causing possible permanent numbness, pain, and weakness in your arms and legs. This is known as alcoholic neuropathy and many people face the consequences of it even after years and decades after they quit drinking.
A severe form of alcohol-related brain damage is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Drinking depletes your body of many nutrients, including vitamin B1. Lack of thiamine can lead to profound memory loss, confusion, and coordination problems.
Heavy drinking increases the risk of stroke, which can cause permanent brain damage.
People with alcohol use and withdrawal may experience seizures, which can cause lasting brain damage and neurological issues.
Alcohol can damage the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement, leading to permanent issues with balance and coordination.

Are you sure you want to keep drinking?

Alcohol may permanently cause liver scarring

While the liver has a remarkable ability to heal, long-term heavy drinking can cause permanent damage. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to lasting liver damage and cirrhosis. Liver scarring or cirrhosis is the process where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue.

This scarring is irreversible and impairs the liver’s ability to function properly, leading to permanent issues such as jaundice, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Cirrhosis also elevates the risk of liver failure and other life-threatening complications.

Alcohol permanently weakens the heart muscle and damages blood vessels

Alcohol permanently weakens the heart muscle by causing a condition known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The heart becomes enlarged and less efficient at pumping blood. This can lead to heart failure and other serious heart issues.

Long-term use damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and artery damage. The persistent strain on the heart and cardiovascular system from alcohol can lead to long-term, irreversible impairments, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

All these permanent changes may have a host of chronic health problems as a consequence, seriously reducing quality of life.

How to reverse the negative impact of alcohol

Here’s some good news: your body has an amazing ability to heal itself once you stop drinking. While some damage might be permanent, there’s still a lot you can do to improve your health and feel better.

Here’s a roadmap to help you reverse the negative effects of alcohol use and get back on track to a healthier you.

Quit drinking completely. This is the big one. Your body can’t start healing until you stop putting alcohol in it. It’s tough, but every day sober is a win. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip—just get back on track.
Eat well. Alcohol’s been robbing your body of vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients. Time to pay it back with lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Your body will thank you with better energy and faster healing.
Hydrate. Water is your new best friend. It helps flush out toxins and keeps everything running smoothly. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day.
Move your body. Exercise isn’t just good for your waistline. It boosts mood, helps manage stress, and can even rewire your brain’s reward system. Start small if you need to; a short walk counts.
Sleep well. When you remove alcohol from the picture, you’re guaranteed to sleep better. Besides, your body does a lot of repair work while you sleep. Stick to a regular bedtime, cut out screens before bed, and create a comfy sleep environment.
Manage stress. Find healthy ways to deal with life’s pressures. Meditation, deep breathing, or even just calling a friend helps. The goal is to handle stress without reaching for a drink.
Be patient. Healing takes time. You didn’t get here overnight, and you won’t get better overnight. Celebrate small wins and don’t sweat the setbacks.
Discover new passions. Fill the time you used to spend drinking with things you enjoy. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent or a new favorite hobby. Doing something we enjoy boosts the feel-good chemicals in the brain.
Get professional help. Reaching out isn’t weakness, it’s smart. Addiction specialists and therapists have tools and strategies you might not know about.

Our addiction specialists at Ardu have years of experience and a deep understanding of alcohol addiction. They use evidence-based treatments and personalized approaches to help you navigate the challenges of recovery and build a foundation for lasting sobriety.

“…The therapy sessions were transformative, facilitated by counselors who genuinely cared about my progress. Group sessions fostered a sense of community and understanding among peers, which was instrumental in my recovery process.

Nutrition and wellness were also prioritized, with nutritious meals provided and holistic activities offered to promote physical and mental well-being…”

—Gavin

 5/5

The importance of professional help

Many people think they can tough it out on their own, but alcohol addiction is a complex beast that requires more than just willpower. If you really want to reverse the negative effects of alcohol, professional help is a game-changer.

Medical professionals use the knowledge and experience to guide you through the recovery process safely and effectively. They manage your withdrawal symptoms, which can be not only uncomfortable but sometimes dangerous, so your journey to sobriety starts on the right foot.

Our detox center is a crucial first step in your recovery journey where you flush out the toxic substances that have built up from long-term alcohol use. While it can be tough to go through, we ensure a safe and successful detox through our medically-supervised program. Our staff provides 24/7 monitoring, medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms, and support to keep you comfortable and motivated throughout the process.

Our addiction specialists craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol dependence. We use a range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group counseling, to help you understand the root causes of your addiction and develop effective coping strategies.

Our holistic approach also incorporates mindfulness practices, art therapy, and yoga therapy, complemented by medication-assisted treatment when appropriate. This comprehensive program not only boosts your chances of long-term recovery but also helps reverse many of alcohol’s negative effects on your health.

We also offer:

Nutritional counseling. Alcohol can really mess with your body’s nutrition. Our nutritionists help you develop a healthy eating plan that supports your recovery and overall health. Our nutritional therapy helps reverse some of the damage alcohol has done to your body.
Yoga reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and promotes emotional balance. Our expert-led yoga sessions help you reconnect with your body, increase flexibility, and build physical strength while also promoting mental resilience and inner peace.
Our guided meditation practices teach you to quiet your mind, manage cravings, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. Combined with yoga and other holistic therapies, meditation provides powerful tools for maintaining sobriety long after you leave our facility.
We use neurotransmitter therapy to help rebalance your brain chemistry disrupted by alcohol abuse. By targeting specific neurotransmitters, we reduce cravings, improve mood, and restore cognitive function, reversing some of alcohol’s damaging effects on the brain.
Our licensed therapists provide individual psychotherapy sessions to address underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to your alcohol use. This can help heal past traumas, improve self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Addiction affects more than just the individual. Our family therapy sessions allow you to heal relationships and build a strong support system for your ongoing recovery.
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave our center. We work with you to create a comprehensive aftercare plan, ensuring you have the support and resources you need to maintain your sobriety and continue healing.

Contact Ardu Recovery Center

Navigating alcohol dependency can be extremely difficult. The stages of alcoholism ramp up gradually, so it’s difficult to accurately assess your level of addiction. Our skilled medical professionals are dedicated to providing you with the personalized care you need to successfully navigate this challenging time.

We tailor our rehab programs to each individual’s needs so that you can achieve success no matter what challenges you may face. Come visit us in Provo, Utah, and let’s discuss how to make your recovery journey as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible.

To enroll in an Ardu alcohol rehab program, contact Ardu online or via phone (801-872-8480). We will work with you to find a recovery path that works for you during the detox process and beyond.

Read our admissions process page for additional information.

Effects of alcohol FAQ

Does alcohol tolerance ever go back to normal?

Alcohol tolerance can return to normal levels with abstinence. The time it takes is influenced by how long and how heavily you drank. Generally, it takes a few weeks to a few months of sobriety for tolerance to significantly decrease. The brain may remain sensitized to alcohol, potentially leading to rapid tolerance increase if drinking resumes. Lowered tolerance can be dangerous if a person relapses and drinks their previous amounts.

Can exercise reverse alcohol damage?

Exercise can reverse some alcohol-related damage, especially to the cardiovascular system and brain. Regular physical activity improves heart health, reduces inflammation, and promotes the growth of new brain cells. It also aids in stress management and mood improvement, which can support recovery.

While exercise can’t completely undo all alcohol-related harm, it can be a valuable part of a healthy recovery plan. Combined with abstinence and a healthy diet, exercise significantly aids in healing and reversing some negative effects of alcohol abuse.

Our exercise therapy program at Ardu is tailored to each individual’s fitness level and recovery needs, combining cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to boost overall health, reduce stress, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Does alcohol age you?

Alcohol can accelerate aging both internally and externally. Here’s how:

It dehydrates the body, leading to premature wrinkles and dry skin.
Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, which can cause a tired, aged appearance.
Internally, it can accelerate cellular aging, particularly in the liver and brain.
Prolonged periods of heavy drinking often leads to nutrient deficiencies, further contributing to premature aging.
It also increases inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, which are major factors in the aging process.
Alcohol can also lead to weight gain and bloating, which can make one appear older.

Will I have more energy if I stop drinking alcohol?

You’re likely to experience increased energy after you stop drinking.

Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, so quitting often leads to better quality sleep and improved daytime alertness.
Without alcohol, your liver functions more efficiently, leading to better metabolism and energy production. H
hydration improves, which also boosts energy levels.
As your body heals from alcohol’s effects, you may notice improvements in mood, mental clarity, and physical stamina.

Some people may initially experience fatigue during withdrawal, but this typically improves as the body adjusts to sobriety.

What does 40 years of binge drinking do to your body?

Forty years of binge drinking can have severe, cumulative effects on the body.

It can lead to irreversible liver damage, including cirrhosis.
The brain may suffer from cognitive decline, memory issues, and increased risk of dementia.
Heavy drinking compromises cardiovascular health. The risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke are increased.
Chronic pancreatitis and different types of cancer are more likely if you’re a binge drinker.
You have digestive issues, weakened immune system, and hormonal imbalances.
Even your bone density may decrease, increasing fracture risk.

Drinking patterns and some individual factors influence these effects of drinking, but long-term heavy drinking typically results in significant, often irreversible health problems.

What removes alcohol from the body?

The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol, breaking down about 90% of it. The remaining 10% is eliminated through urine, sweat, and breath. The process is largely time-dependent, with the liver typically metabolizing one standard drink per hour.

Your body weight, gender, liver function, and food consumption can affect the rate of alcohol elimination. It’s important to stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough rest so you can support your body during this process and speed up alcohol removal.

Does the sauna get rid of alcohol?

Saunas can induce sweating and may excrete a small amount of alcohol, but they do not significantly accelerate alcohol elimination from the body. The liver metabolizes the vast majority of alcohol, and this process occurs at a fixed rate that can’t be sped up. Saunas might create a false sense of sobering up because of all the fluid loss, but the alcohol content in the blood remains largely unchanged.

Using a sauna while intoxicated can even be dangerous because it can lead to dehydration, overheating, or even death. It’s not a safe or effective method for “sobering up” or eliminating alcohol from the system.

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