04/02/2026
🍺🍷April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding about the impact of alcohol use and encourage individuals and families to make informed, healthy decisions. Excessive or frequent use can lead to serious health concerns, including liver disease, heart problems, certain cancers, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. It can also affect relationships, job performance, and overall well-being.
At Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, we are committed to supporting the health of our community through education, prevention, and access to care. Our providers are here to have open conversations and can help connect individuals to resources and support services. If you or someone you care about may be struggling with alcohol use, help is available.
This Alcohol Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to reflect on their habits, check in with loved ones, and continue building a community that supports healthy choices and overall well-being.
Here’s how alcohol can affect your body:
🧠Brain
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
💓Heart
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems.
👉Liver
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver and can lead to a variety of liver issues.
👉Pancreas
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels that prevents proper digestion.
👉Cancer
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
👉Immune System
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease.
If you have any questions or want to know more about your alcohol treatment options, please contact your Seneca Family Practice primary care physician at 785-336-6107 today!