Alcohol can cause a range of effects—physical, psychological, and social. The risks depend on how much you drink, how often you drink, and the situation you’re in. Some people experience problems quickly, while others develop them over time. 

Many young people (15–16 years old) report negative experiences related to alcohol: 
Accidents and injuries: 20% experienced this in the past year, including 24% of boys. 
Fights and violence: 14% experienced this in the past year, and as many as 21% of boys. 
Memory loss: 17% of youth say they have had episodes where they couldn’t remember parts of the evening. 
Sexual assault: 17% of girls and 10% of boys have experienced this in connection with alcohol. 
Hospitalization due to severe intoxication: 4% experienced this in the past year. 

Among young adults (16–30 years), more than 1 in 3 have an alcohol use pattern that increases the risk of problems related to health, relationships, and the future. 

Women tolerate less alcohol than men 

Girls are usually more affected by alcohol than boys. This is because girls generally have lower body weight and less water in the body, which means alcohol becomes more concentrated in the blood. As a result, girls typically reach a higher BAC than boys when they drink the same amount. 

Hangover and mental health 

When the alcohol leaves your body, you can experience a kind of a “mini-withdrawal”. Your body reacts with restlessness and unease, and you may get headaches or shaking. 

Typical hangover symptoms: 

• Headache, nausea, and sweating. 
• Tiredness and trouble concentrating. 
• Restlessness, low mood, and “hangxiety”. 
• Sleep problems and dehydration. 

“Hangxiety”—feeling uneasy, stressed, or overly self-critical the next day—can feel especially intense for people who already struggle with their mental health. Sleep disruption often makes the discomfort worse, and for some this can become a vicious cycle: drinking to numb feelings, only to feel worse afterward. 

How to reduce hangovers: 

• Drink less and more slowly. 
• Avoid getting very intoxicated—especially repeatedly over time. 
• Eat before and while drinking. 
• Drink water or other non-alcoholic beverages between alcoholic drinks. 
• Get enough sleep. 
• Don’t go to bed while your BAC is still rising. 

Alcohol poisoning (overdose) 

Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short time can cause severe poisoning, which may lead to: 

• Unconsciousness 
• Breathing stopping 
• Low body temperature and slowed heart rate 
• Loss of control over bodily functions — including involuntary urination 
• Seizures 
• In the worst cases: coma or death — especially when combined with other depressant drugs (such as sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, opioids, or GHB)

What counts as “too much”?

There is no lower limit for when alcohol becomes harmful. Even small amounts can increase the risk of health problems (see long-term use below). The risk goes up both with how much you drink and how often you drink.  

There is no completely safe limit, but staying below these levels is linked to a lower risk of harm. Avoid drinking more than 8–9 units per week, and drink no more than 3–4 units in one evening. 

Drinking 4–5 units in a short period (for example, five beers in one night) is considered binge drinking. This increases the risk of accidents, injuries, memory loss, and other acute problems. It also makes it more likely that you’ll feel hungover the next day. 

Long-term use and health risks 

High alcohol intake over time increases the risk of several health problems. The liver can become damaged, and you may develop cirrhosis. The risk of various types of cancer increases, and alcohol can lead to high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases. It can also damage the nervous system, causing symptoms like tremors and reduced balance. In addition, long-term alcohol use can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties, and it can negatively affect relationships, school, and work. 

Dependence often develops gradually, and it’s not always easy to notice what’s happening in the beginning. It’s not just about how much you drink — but also when, why, and how alcohol is being used. 

Over time, tolerance can increase — you need more alcohol to feel the same effects, even though the strain on the body stays the same. Many people also find that alcohol gradually takes up more space in everyday life, making it harder to take breaks. 

Recognizing the warning signs early can make it easier to make healthy choices. If you’re unsure whether your drinking has become a problem, there are places where you can get help without pressure or obligations. 

Signs your drinking may be starting to become a problem: 

• You drink more often, or more than you planned. 
• You need alcohol to relax, have fun, or be social. 
• You dread situations where you can’t drink. 
• You find it hard to stop once you’ve started. 
• You experience conflicts at home, with friends, or at school because of alcohol. 
• You get restlessness, shaking, sweating, or sleep problems when you don’t drink.