Many people enjoy drinking wine in moderation. However, drinking wine all day, every day can lead to serious health consequences. Wine contains alcohol, which is a depressant that can affect your brain, liver, and other organs when consumed in excess. While an occasional glass of wine can be harmless, drinking wine constantly throughout the day is considered alcohol abuse.
Short-Term Effects
If you drink wine throughout the day, you may experience both pleasurable and undesirable effects in the short-term:
Pleasurable Effects
- Feelings of relaxation and reduced stress
- Mild euphoria and mood boost
- Reduced anxiety and increased sociability for some people
- Enhanced enjoyment of food and music
These pleasurable effects occur because alcohol activates the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. However, they wear off quickly as blood alcohol concentration starts to rise.
Undesirable Effects
- Impaired coordination, balance, and motor skills
- Delayed reaction time and impaired judgement
- Slurred speech and confusion
- Drowsiness, sedation, and sleepiness
- Headaches, flushed skin, sweating, and dehydration
- Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature
- Mood changes like exaggerated emotions, irritability, and excitability
These negative effects occur because alcohol is a potent central nervous system depressant. The more you drink, the more intoxicated you become. Your judgement and inhibitions become impaired, leading to risky behaviors.
Long-Term Effects
Over time, consistently drinking wine from morning to night can seriously damage your physical and mental health:
Brain
- Neurotransmitter imbalances
- Structural changes and damage to the prefrontal cortex
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (memory loss, confusion, impaired muscle coordination)
- Increased risk of stroke, dementia, and cognitive deficits
Excessive alcohol causes changes in brain chemistry, structure, and function. This impairs judgement, information processing, impulse control, and memory over time.
Liver
- Fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Fibrosis and cirrhosis
- Liver failure
The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood. Drinking heavily forces the liver to work overtime, potentially leading to permanent damage and disease.
Digestive System
- Inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas
- Ulcers
- Heartburn
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Diarrhea
Alcohol irritates the digestive tract, preventing proper absorption of nutrients from food. Heavy use can lead to chronic gastritis, interfering with digestion.
Heart
- High blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy – stretching and drooping of heart muscle
- Arrhythmias – irregular heartbeat
- Stroke
Alcohol makes the heart work too hard by increasing blood pressure. Over time, this causes the heart to weaken and function improperly.
Immune System
- Weakened immune system
- Increased susceptibility to pneumonia and tuberculosis
Drinking heavily suppresses immune function, making people more prone to bacterial and viral infections. Chronic drinkers are more likely to contract serious illnesses.
Mental Health
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Personality changes
- Suicidal thoughts
Alcohol is a depressive drug that can worsen mental health conditions like depression. Coming down from alcohol can induce rebound anxiety.
Cancer
- Mouth
- Throat
- Liver
- Breast
- Colon
The carcinogens produced when alcohol is metabolized increase the risk of certain cancers. Drinking and smoking together is especially linked to cancers of the mouth, larynx, and esophagus.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Drinking wine from morning to night every day indicates a diagnosable Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). People with AUDs exhibit:
- Inability to control alcohol consumption – drinking more or longer than intended
- Obsession with alcohol and preoccupation with drinking
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
- Tolerance – needing more alcohol to feel effects
- Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, shaking, and nausea when stopping
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school because of alcohol
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, and recovering from alcohol
- Cravings or strong urges to use alcohol
People with severe AUDs exhibit a physical dependence on alcohol and withdrawal can be life-threatening. Seeking professional help for alcohol addiction is crucial.
What Happens After One Day of Drinking Wine All Day?
Here is what you can expect after a full day of continuous wine drinking:
- Blackout drunkenness – memory lapses, loss of consciousness
- Nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches
- Disturbed sleep and nightmares
- Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and body aches as alcohol leaves your system
- Impaired cognitive function and focus
- Increased risk of alcohol poisoning
You may consume over 14 standard drinks in a day of continuous wine drinking from morning to night. This leads to dangerously high blood alcohol concentration over 0.30%. Severe intoxication can be life threatening.
Conclusion
Drinking wine continually throughout the day, every day, has many detrimental effects on your physical and mental wellbeing. While occasional light drinking may pose little risk, sustained heavy drinking and alcohol dependence can be severely damaging and even fatal. Moderation is key, and seeking help for alcohol abuse can be a life-saving measure.
