Alcohol can have short- and long-term effects on the brain and disrupts the brain’s communication pathways. These can influence mood, behavior and other cognitive functions. Slurred speech, motor impairment, confusion and memory problems are just a few common consequences of alcohol consumption in the short-term. Alcohol affects everyone in different ways. Genes, environment and diet can influence whether a person is prone to develop an alcohol-related disease, while factors such as age, weight and sex can impact alcohol’s more immediate effects.