When you think of the dangers of alcohol abuse, one of the first images that may come to mind is drinking under the influence (DUI). Engaging in risky behaviors like this is dangerous. It can lead to a long list of consequences, such as getting into an accident, injuring yourself or others, and even causing a fatality. While this is one of the immediate hazards associated with alcohol abuse, there are also many adverse effects to long-term excessive drinking, some well-known and others less obvious.
You don’t need to wait until something serious, like an alcohol-related car accident, happens before deciding to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). If you’re concerned about your relationship with alcohol, Promises Brazos Valley’s alcohol rehab in Texas can help.
What Are the Well-Known Dangers of Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse can take a toll on your mind and body in various ways. Some of the most common consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption include:
- Liver damage – Your liver plays a vital role in processing toxins consumed through food and drink. Of course, alcohol makes your liver work harder, but the organ can only take so much abuse. Prolonged alcohol consumption can put you at risk of alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.
- Heart problems – You may have noticed that your heart rate increases when drinking alcohol and can remain elevated the following day, especially if you experience a hangover. Repeated alcohol abuse can lead to chronic conditions of the heart, including irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy.
- Mental health challenges – Alcohol can stimulate the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which is why you may feel happier and more sociable after a drink. However, these desirable effects are short-lived, and long-term alcohol abuse can actually make it more difficult for your brain to produce these hormones at optimal levels. This makes you more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- Alcohol use disorder – This condition is likely one of the most well-known dangers of alcohol abuse, characterized by an inability to moderate one’s consumption despite negative effects.
You can protect yourself and your loved ones from these dangers by practicing moderation and reaching out for help if you believe you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
What Are the Lesser-Known But Troubling Side Effects of Alcohol Abuse?
Some connections between behaviors and health consequences are fairly clear. For example, eating too much sugar can put you at risk of type 2 diabetes. Eating excess calories while forgoing exercise can increase the chances of obesity. However, other connections may not be as obvious, such as the case of alcohol abuse and some of its lesser-known side effects.
Poor Sleep
Despite its reputation as a pre-bedtime sedative, alcohol can disrupt the quality of your sleep. While it might help you fall asleep faster, your sleep will be less restful. Alcohol can interfere with your sleep cycles, leaving you feeling groggy and tired in the morning.
Impaired Immune Function
Did you know that consuming more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually make you get sick more often? Alcohol suppresses the immune system, so the next time a cold or flu rolls around, you may be more likely to catch it.
Permanent Memory Loss
You may be familiar with blackouts that occur when drinking excessively—not remembering certain details or events that happened while under the influence. Although these bouts of memory loss are temporary, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to permanent memory loss. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) and alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) are two examples of medical conditions involving cognitive impairment instigated by alcohol use disorder.
Increased Risk of Cancer
Although alcohol has a well-known reputation for damaging the liver, it can also do other harm to your physical health, like increasing the risk of certain types of cancers. Alcohol abuse can make you more susceptible to cancers of the breast, colon, and esophagus.
Get Started on the Road to Recovery With Alcohol Rehab at Promises Brazos Valley in Texas
Even after understanding the risks of alcohol abuse, you may not be ready to commit to treatment just yet, and that’s okay. At Promises Brazos Valley, we understand that everyone’s needs are different. If you have any questions about how alcohol addiction treatment works, reach out at 979.426.0086 or complete our online form to discuss your concerns with one of our friendly staff members.