What are the health effects of drinking vodka?
Vodka affects health like any alcohol: drinking too much changes mood and behavior and makes it harder to think clearly and move with coordination, and heavy long-term use is linked to liver, heart and nerve problems and several cancers. NIAAA says there are health risks even at low amounts. This is general information, not medical advice.
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What are the health effects of drinking vodka?
The effects come from the ethanol, not from vodka itself. Vodka is typically about 40 percent ABV, so check the label. The US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says current research points to health risks even at low amounts of alcohol, regardless of beverage type.
What are the short-term effects?
- Changes in mood and behavior, harder clear thinking and poorer coordination.
- High blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat or an increased heart rate.
- Increased risk of reflux, and in some cases GI bleeding.
- Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows the body’s ability to ward off infections, even up to 24 hours later.
NCI, quoted by NIAAA, describes binge drinking as 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more for men in one sitting.
What are the long-term effects?
| Body system | Possible long-term effects |
|---|---|
| Liver | Fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis |
| Heart | High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) |
| Brain and nerves | Higher stroke risk, nerve damage |
| Pancreas | Pancreatitis |
| Bones and muscles | Reduced bone density, muscle wasting |
| Cancer | Head and neck, esophagus, liver, colorectal and breast cancer |
NIAAA says even one drink per day can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 5 to 15 percent.
Is vodka healthier than other drinks?
No. NIAAA’s point is that risk relates to alcohol, regardless of beverage type. Vodka has no special health benefit, and its effects depend on how much alcohol you drink.
When should you get help?
If you cannot cut down, feel withdrawal symptoms, or drink to cope, talk to a doctor. In the US, SAMHSA’s helpline (1-800-662-4357) offers free, confidential support.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you take medication or have a health condition, ask a doctor whether alcohol is safe for you.
People also ask
Is vodka bad for your liver?
Heavy drinking of any alcohol, including vodka, can lead to fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis, according to NIAAA.
Is vodka healthier than beer or wine?
NIAAA says health risks apply regardless of beverage type, so vodka is not a safer choice.
What counts as binge drinking?
NCI, as quoted by NIAAA, describes it as 4 or more drinks for women or 5 or more for men in one sitting.
Sources
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