Health Risks

Alcohol is a drug that can cause mental and physical impairment even after one drink.

Short term health effects can include an increased risk of injury from:

• falls,
• motor vehicle collisions
• fights,
• family violence,
• child abuse,
• sexual assault.

Long term health effects include:

• heart disease
• high blood pressure,
• stroke,
• liver disease,
• cancers of the head and neck, liver, colon, and breast
• alcohol dependence
• anxiety,
• depression,
• suicide.

If you choose to drink you can lower your health risks by following Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health