Alcohol is more than just a social lubricant — it’s a substance that leaves a wide wake of effects across nearly every major system in the body. From the moment it enters your bloodstream, it begins to interfere with your brain, liver, kidneys, heart, stomach lining, and even your hormonal balance. The very word “intoxicated” hints at its true nature — alcohol is a toxin. A slow-acting, somewhat seductive one, but toxic all the same.

The physical toll that alcohol takes on the body is well known. From liver disease to high blood pressure, long-term drinking has been tied to a wide range of serious medical conditions. But what’s less often talked about is what alcohol—at any level—does to the brain. Even if you’re not drinking heavily or haven’t been drinking for years, you may still experience symptoms like brain fog, irritability, emotional swings, and cognitive dullness simply from moderate or short-term use.

Getting drunk every weekend isn’t exactly a ticket to good health, but sipping alcohol in moderation might not be the villain it’s often made out to be. In fact, for some people, having a drink now and then could come with a few unexpected health perks. Of course, how your body reacts to alcohol depends a lot on your individual biology—what works for one person might not for another.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men, and that’s not an average across the week—it’s per day. So no, seven beers on Saturday doesn’t count as moderation.

Drinks that include ethanol are generally known as alcoholic beverages, and the list of such drinks is surprisingly long and varied. If you’ve ever browsed the liquor aisle of a grocery store or convenience shop, you’ve likely noticed the immense variety of alcoholic products—each with its own branding, ingredients, and potency. While they all fall under the umbrella of alcohol, there are key differences in how they’re made and how strong they are. Some are mild and traditionally fermented, while others are distilled to achieve dangerously high alcohol levels. Understanding these differences isn’t just useful—it’s essential for safety and informed choices.