1. Although alcohol is a depressant, it also relaxes the drinker.
2. Immediate consequences of chronic excessive alcohol consumption can include damage to the digestive organs, heart, and liver; malnutrition and weight gain; hormone imbalances; increased risk of cancer and heart disease, depression, and irreversible damage to a developing fetus during pregnancy.
3. Excessive alcohol consumption is not likely to lead to weight gain because there are two metabolic systems which can be used to digest and absorb alcohol.