There are many long-term effects of alcohol abuse that you should be aware of if you or a loved one consumes alcohol on a regular basis. Despite its legality, alcohol can do significant harm to your body and mind and has a high rate of abuse, alcohol poisoning, and death. In 2022 alone, 221 million people 12 and older reported drinking alcohol, with 13.2 million being under the legal age.1
At Arkview Recovery Center, we support anyone who has developed an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is looking for a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Our treatment programs include residential and outpatient treatment options that utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapies, and medical support. We tailor each program to the individual. Then, we monitor their progress to ensure they are making forward progress toward their goals.
Discover the benefits of our alcohol abuse treatment programs by calling 717.744.0756 today to schedule a tour. It’s time to take that first step toward sober living.
The Effects of Alcohol on Your Body
The effects of alcohol abuse are well known. However, many people choose to abuse alcohol and put themselves at risk of serious physical and psychological harm. You’ll find several reports, including from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that say 1–2 drinks per day is fine. Unfortunately, we still have millions of people who develop an addiction.
Drinking alcohol causes your body to release a large amount of dopamine and serotonin. This is what gives you that intoxicated feeling. It includes an increased level of happiness and well-being, along with balance and coordination trouble, a lack of impulse control, and a strong desire to keep drinking. If you drink too much, it can cause you to black out or lose consciousness.
With regular alcohol consumption over the recommended limit, your body begins to crave the same level of intoxication and can go into withdrawal when that level drops. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
With regular heavy alcohol consumption, withdrawal symptoms will be more severe and include delirium tremens (DT). This is a sometimes-fatal symptom of alcohol use disorder that causes fever, severe tremors, hallucinations, and confusion.
Arkview Recovery is a full-service addiction treatment facility that supports individuals and their families who are impacted by the effects of alcohol abuse. Our therapists work closely with each patient to better understand the reasons behind the abuse so they can begin helping them heal and recover.
5 Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse
In moderate amounts, alcohol can have a positive effect on the body, including protection from some diseases, reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety, and improving digestion. Unfortunately, alcohol in our society has gone from medicinal to social and is now a leading cause of addiction.
Here are five long-term effects of alcohol abuse:
- Heart disease – Alcohol abuse has a direct impact on how well your heart functions. Long-term drinking can cause cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. It also increases your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Liver damage – The liver is the main organ that allows your body to cleanse itself from the toxins in alcohol. Frequent drinking can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
- Pancreatitis – Alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of inflammation in the pancreas. This illness can be potentially fatal and causes severe abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, and weight loss.
- Brain damage – One major alcohol abuse effect on the body is how it impacts your brain’s ability to function. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause permanent brain damage, which can lead to memory problems, poor judgment, confusion, hallucinations, and an overall steady cognitive decline.
- Mental health disorders – Another serious effect of alcohol abuse is the psychological harm it can cause. Depression and anxiety are symptoms of alcohol abuse, as are violent or aggressive mood swings and increased thoughts of suicide.
Alcohol addiction can have a serious effect on the body and mind. If you are struggling with AUD, the best course of action is to enroll in an alcohol treatment program and safely stop the abuse with fewer risks of relapse.
Begin Alcohol Abuse Treatment Today at Arkview Recovery
Arkview Recovery Center welcomes Pennsylvanian residents who are ready to put the bottle down and regain their physical and mental health. Our team is well aware of how alcohol abuse effects can make the recovery process more difficult. As a result, they use a combination of medication and behavioral therapies to address all symptoms.
Are you or a loved one struggling with the effects of alcohol abuse? If so, it’s time to make some healthy changes. Call 717.744.0756 today or use our online contact form to schedule a tour and meet our dedicated team.
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