Alcohol is known for having a relaxing effect on the mind and body while also elevating the mood, making it a standard part of many after-work routines and social gatherings. But at what cost do these pleasurable feelings come? What does alcohol do to your body, and how can it affect you long-term? Getting to understand more about the impacts of alcohol on your physical health can help you make more informed decisions when deciding how often and how much to drink.
Alcohol is considered safe in moderate amounts, but if you have difficulty limiting your consumption, you may have developed an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Schedule an intake assessment at Promises Brazos Valley by calling 979.426.0086 so we can help you address an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and prevent potential health complications. Our alcohol rehab in College Station offers a range of treatment programs, including dual diagnosis and 12-step options.
What Does Alcohol Do to Your Body?
Alcohol quickly enters your bloodstream from your stomach and small intestine when you drink it. It then heads to the brain and interacts with neurotransmitters responsible for judgment, coordination, and the ability to control one’s behavior. By depressing the function of your nerve cells, alcohol directly impacts your body’s functions in several ways:
- Slowing your reflexes
- Impairing your thinking and decision-making abilities
- Lowering your inhibitions and judgment
- Inducing relaxation and lifting your mood
- Impairing your coordination
The more alcohol you imbibe, the more dramatic these effects will be. However, drinking excessive amounts can cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria to transition to anger, aggression, or depression.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body
In addition to intoxication, alcohol has several other effects on the body that arrive within hours of drinking:
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Constipation
Many of these symptoms are also associated with the classic hangover, which usually starts within six to eight hours after you stop drinking. They typically last up to 24 hours, although some people feel the effects for up to 72 hours afterward.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Although the short-term effects of alcohol wear off within a few days, chronic excessive drinking can introduce more severe impact on the body, such as:
- Liver damage – Prolonged alcohol consumption can cause inflammation in the liver, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis, an irreversible condition that can lead to liver failure.
- Cardiovascular problems – Chronic alcohol misuse can raise your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
- Malnutrition – Long-term heavy drinking can suppress the appetite and leach vital vitamins and minerals from the body, resulting in malnutrition and anemia.
In addition to the above, excessive drinking can change your appearance over time. Some people lose a lot of weight through malnutrition, while others gain weight due to a higher caloric intake from alcohol, possibly developing what’s known as a “beer belly.”
Chronic dehydration from drinking can instigate premature aging, causing dry skin, wrinkles, and a sallow complexion. Some people also experience puffiness and bloating. Long-term heavy drinking can also impact your dental health. Dehydration causes dry mouth, making you more susceptible to bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
Connect with Promises Brazos Valley to Enroll in Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol use disorder can wreak havoc on your body, but you can start to heal with the help of alcohol rehab at Promises Brazos Valley. We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment options so you’ll have the right level of care for your needs. Whether you’re in the early stages of AUD or have severe AUD, we can help you on your journey to recovery.
Call us at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form to get started.