Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, can have wide-ranging effects on both physical and mental health. When alcohol is consumed in large quantities over a long period of time, it can cause damage to nearly every system in the body. Understanding the potential health consequences is an important step for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
Brain and Mental Health
Chronic alcohol abuse affects brain chemistry and function in multiple ways. It interferes with neurotransmitters that regulate mood, appetite, sleep, motivation and cognition. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, memory problems and impaired judgement and decision-making abilities. Binge drinking and withdrawal from alcohol can also induce seizures due to sudden changes in brain activity. Over time, alcohol-related brain damage may become irreversible. The risk of dementia is also higher among those with alcohol addiction.
Liver Damage
The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Long-term alcohol misuse places significant strain on the liver, leading to a variety of problems. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by a buildup of fats that impairs liver function. This can progress to alcoholic hepatitis, causing liver inflammation and cell death. Cirrhosis, or permanent scarring of the liver tissue, develops in about 20% of alcoholics. This reduces the liver's ability to regenerate and perform essential functions like removing toxins from the blood. Severe liver dysfunction may ultimately result in liver failure.
Weakened Immune System
Drinking heavily overtaxes the immune system and increases vulnerability to various illnesses. Chronic drinkers are more prone to pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. Their wounds also take longer to heal. Alcohol abuse is associated with a higher risk of many types of cancer, including mouth, throat, liver and breast cancer. This may be partly due to its toxic effects on the body's cells. Excessive drinking can also lead to bone loss and fractures.
Heart Problems
Over time, heavy drinking takes a toll on heart health. Alcohol can raise blood pressure, and trigger irregular heart rhythms and cardiomyopathy (stretching and drooping of heart muscle). It also increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and sudden cardiac death. Binge drinking is especially harmful, producing dramatic spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. For some individuals, even one episode of binge drinking can result in fatal arrhythmias.
Digestive Problems
The high acidity of alcohol can irritate the lining of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. It increases stomach acid production, interferes with nutrient absorption and damages cells in the digestive tract. Alcoholism is associated with gastritis, ulcers, malnutrition and diarrhea. The pancreas is also affected, sometimes leading to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas which requires hospitalization. Long-term pancreatic damage from alcohol abuse can result in diabetes.
The Role of Rehab
Rehab such as intensive outpatient programs In Kentucky is vital for alcoholism because it provides a supportive environment and tools for overcoming addiction. A comprehensive rehab program offers counseling, medical care, peer support, education, and relapse prevention strategies. Rehab teaches coping techniques to avoid triggers and maintain sobriety. It can help people change behaviors and thought patterns around alcohol abuse. Rehab gives alcoholics the best chance for achieving and maintaining recovery.
The extensive and wide-ranging effects of alcoholism highlight the importance of seeking treatment. With proper support, treatment and lifestyle changes, many of alcohol's impacts on the body can be reduced or reversed.
