Long Term Effects of Alcohol
Long Term Effects of Alcohol in NewBurgh NY (877) 804-1531
Despite its social acceptance and prevalent use, alcohol consumption can have significant, long term effects. While it is true that not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic, if you want to avoid the long term effects of alcohol on the body and on the brain, it is better to drink in moderation or not at all. Habitual drinking sets you up for myriad health issues. Studies show that chronic drinkers, even if they are not classified as alcoholics, suffer from one or multiple alcohol-related diseases.
The long term effects of alcohol abuse impact more than physical health. People who cause fatal motor accidents suffer years of emotional turmoil, which also perpetuates alcohol abuse. The long term habitual use of alcohol ruins relationships, depletes family resources, causes physical and verbal abuse of spouses and children and destroys thriving careers.
Health Related Long Term Effects of Alcohol
The following list of long term effects of alcohol on the human body was compiled by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
- Shrinkage of the brain with women experiencing faster decline than men.
- Memory lapses
- Inability to focus
- Difficulty learning and retaining new information
- Sleep disruptions that cause irritability and trigger withdrawal symptoms
- Liver damage with visible symptoms of Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin
- Damage to internal organs such as pancreas inflammation, which can eventually lead to diabetes
Other serious diseases that can result from long term use of alcohol include:
- Alcoholic hepatitis is characterized by abdominal pain, jaundice and fever. If alcohol consumption is halted, this condition can be reversed. However, if left unchecked, it can be fatal.
- Cirrhosis of the liver ranks high on the list of adverse effects for heavy drinkers. A high percentage of alcoholics develop this disease, which is a scarring of the liver. In most cases, this condition is fatal if drinking continues. Sadly, this condition is irreversible. However, the person has a better chance of surviving if he or she stops drinking. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately two million Americans suffer from alcohol-related liver disease.
- Heart Disease: Long-term excessive drinking increases the risk of heart disease.
Treatment for Alcoholism
Even after long term addiction to alcohol, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis before administering treatment for alcoholism. Many underlying issues lead to drinking, and until those issues are identified and treated, the reality is that the person, despite the fact that their health is threatened, may relapse.
Treatment typically begins with eliminating the toxins from the body. This is best accomplished under medical supervision, since alcohol withdrawal symptoms have a very high mortality rate. Medically supervised detoxification processes provide a safe environment where individuals can wean themselves off the daily consumption of alcohol. Detox is a necessary preparatory measure that enables the addict to fully participate in the rehabilitation and recovery process with physical stability and mental clarity.
With a population of approximately 30,000, the city leaders of Newburgh are serious about cracking down on drunk driving. They also stand in support of initiates spearheaded by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Alcohol does not have to destroy your health and dictate your future. Do what it takes to move from addition to recovery.
We can help you find the right treatment facility and rehab program that best suits your needs. Call Addiction Recovery Centers Newburgh today at (877) 804-1531.