By Adam Abodeely
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March 20, 2025
By Dr. Adam Abodeely, MD, FACS, FASCRS, MBA, CEO of Coral Cove Wellness Resort Enjoying a cocktail to unwind or sharing a glass of wine at a special dinner is an integral part of many social gatherings, including vacations at wellness resorts and destinations. Like many, I have appreciated the ritual, connection, and sense of relaxation that enjoying a drink can bring. This enjoyment is not just about the taste or the setting; it’s largely due to alcohol’s intoxicating effects, which can reduce stress, lower inhibitions, and even enhance our mood. What creates these effects is ethanol, the psychoactive compound in alcohol. When we take that first sip, ethanol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. It then travels to the liver, where it begins to break down into acetaldehyde, a harmful byproduct. While the liver works to process the alcohol, some of it continues its journey through the bloodstream until it reaches the brain. Here, ethanol alters levels of neurotransmitters like GABA and dopamine, which creates feelings of calmness, pleasure, and sometimes euphoria. These effects highlight why alcohol is often linked to social pleasure, yet they also underline the need for mindful consumption as the same process clouds judgment, impairs motor skills, and taxes the liver. For years, we have been told that small amounts of alcohol might even benefit our health, thanks to the long-standing “glass of wine a day” theory suggesting improved cardiovascular health and longevity. Unfortunately, a growing body of scientific evidence has turned this belief on its head. Today, I’m here to present a critical truth: no amount of alcohol is beneficial for your health. 1 This is a significant paradigm shift and one we must acknowledge to make better, more informed decisions about our wellness journey and our relationship with alcohol. But don’t worry! If you enjoy the occasional alcoholic drink , there are steps you can take to reduce its potential negative effects. To make the most of those helpful tips, it’s important to first understand what’s in alcohol and why it has the potential to impact your health. Let’s take a closer look.