Alcohol has been described as a performance impairing drug. Unfortunately, it is used just as much by the athletic community as in the general public. Alcohol can cause negative effects on motor skills and physical performance. Alcohol abuse, if taken over a long period of time, may eventually impede physical performance. Individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence have displayed varying degrees of muscle damage and weakness.So before you grab your next beer or feel like you need a drink. Please consider the following:

Alcohol use cancels out gains from your workout.

• Consuming alcohol after a workout, practice or competition can cancel out any physiological gains you may have received.
• Long term use - Diminishes protein synthesis which result's in a decrease of muscle build up.
• Short term use - Decreases muscle growth.

Alcohol causes dehydration and slows down the body's ability to heal its self. 

• Dehydration slows down the recovery of sore muscle and injuries in your body. Keeping hydrated is key to optimal performance.
• Beer will actually worsen dehydration due to the diuretic effect of alcohol on the renal system.

Alcohol prevents muscle recovery.

• 70%  Decrease in HGH "Human Growth Hormone" 
• HGH is part of  the body's process of telling the muscles "its time to grow bigger and stronger."
• Consuming alcohol regularly depresses immune functioning and slows the healing process for sports-related injuries

Alcohol depletes your source of energy.

• Alcohol disrupts the water balance in muscle cell's which in turn alters the muscle cell's ability to produce  Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
• ATP is a necessary fuel for contraction of muscles
• Put it simply, a Lack of ATP = low energy and lowered endurance.

Alcohol hampers memory and retention.

Consuming 5 or more alcoholic beverages in; 

• 1 day- will affect the brain and body for up to 3 days
• 2 days- will affect the brain and body for up to 5 days

Alcohol inhibits the absorption of the following nutrients;

• Thiamine B1
• B12
• Folic Acid
• Zinc

Here's more on Alcohol

• High in empty calories. 100-150 calories per drink
• Calories NOT converted to glycogen thus is not a good source of energy for exercise.
• Our body treats Alcohol as fat. Converting Alcohol sugars into fatty acids.