Understanding the effects of alcoholism and how alcohol addiction impacts the mind and body starts with the understanding that everyone reacts differently to the substance. The short-term effects of alcoholism are easy to spot, including difficulty handling yourself physically and socially. The severity of alcoholism effects on the mind and body can escalate over time.
When it comes to the increased volume and frequency of drinking associated with alcohol addiction, factors, including the individual’s alcohol tolerance, play a major role as they often require the user to drink more to achieve the same level of intoxication previously felt. The effects of alcohol felt by an individual are also swayed by how quickly alcohol is consumed, their physical health, genetic factors and whether other drugs are involved.
With so much at stake with alcohol addiction, identifying a strained relationship with drinking alcohol early can help stop the addiction from forming.
Signs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption that Leads to the Negative Mental and Physical Effects of Alcoholism
Alcohol addiction and binge drinking are often seen together but aren’t linked solely to each other. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, drinking too much alcohol can be found in individuals who don’t exhibit other signs of alcohol addiction yet are still more likely to develop lifelong medical conditions compared to their non-drinking peers. Studies also indicate that individuals who consume alcohol have a higher probability of developing mental health problems.
Long-term effects of alcohol substance abuse stem from the damage it does to the internal organs. Brain damage and heart and liver disease are some of the largest concerns when it comes to the negative effects of alcohol.
Starting With the Heart
Keeping the body regulated, the heart is one of humans’ strongest organs. Even with this strength, it’s no match for the effects of heavy drinking. Drinking alcoholic beverages has an instant impact on the brain, but heart damage takes time to develop into cardiovascular disease. When it does start, body parts lose access to nutrients and oxygen supplies, causing other organs to weaken.
Excessive alcohol use puts you at a higher risk of heart disease and infection, as it suppresses the immune system and opens the door for bacteria to prosper. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and even heart attacks are all common alcohol-related diseases. There’s no denying that drinking alcohol affects the body negatively from the very first drink.
Next, the Brain’s Communication Pathways
The state of being drunk is actually your brain being depressed by alcohol. When under the influence, the central nervous system struggles to retain its processing and decision-making power, with behavioral changes quickly becoming present. Memory loss and blacking out are telltale alcoholism signs of binge drinking and even alcohol addiction if they’re a frequent occurrence.
Excessive alcohol use will even weaken the connections within the central nervous system, making normal brain function more and more difficult to achieve even in a sober state. Long-term brain damage isn’t uncommon in those who’ve abused alcohol for many years.
Other Organs Damaged by Alcohol Use Disorder
Fatty liver due to alcohol addiction is the most well-known indication of alcohol’s effects on our body. What many don’t know is that a form of hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, can be contracted with heavy alcohol consumption. Unlike irreversible brain damage, liver cancer and fibrosis can be treated with medication and proper treatment programs.
The last primary organ at the mercy of excessive drinking is the pancreas. Responsible for regulating digestion, the pancreas is crucial to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and damage can lead to diabetes. Pancreatic cancer also lurks around the corner, spreading rapidly after a bout of pancreatitis.
Identifying Alcohol Abuse and Effects of Alcoholism
While no amount of alcohol is considered healthy, as it provides no positive health effects, the Centers for Disease Control considers excessive drinking when a man has five or more drinks within an hour or a woman has four. More than half of excessive drinkers are young adults, but anyone can be at risk of developing an alcohol addiction.
Moderating the amount of alcohol consumed is the only way to avoid the negative impact of alcohol use disorder. You can determine if someone has had too much by looking for:
These behavioral changes quickly tip off those around you about the possibility of alcohol addiction. Under the surface, heavy drinking can cause heart and liver trouble on top of sinus infections and ulcers.
There are also non-health-related risks associated with the effects of alcoholism, including:
These long-term side effects can impact other areas of your life, such as causing relationship problems with family or friends, legal trouble, financial issues and poor performance at work or in school.
A Quick Word on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Pregnant women should also never drink alcohol to preserve the health of their baby. There are multiple alcohol disorders a baby can inherit that fall on the fetal alcohol spectrum, from birth defects to stunted development. There’s no reason for pregnancy to involve alcohol. Alcohol rehab facilities can help women struggling with alcohol use achieve sobriety before starting a family.
Seeking Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
There’s no lack of treatment locations for alcohol abuse, but not all rehab centers are created equally. It takes a team of experienced addiction specialists who’ve worked with patients to help them moderate drinking and avoid developing an alcohol-related disease.
Signs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption
The effects of alcoholism and binge drinking are often seen together but aren’t linked solely to each other. Binge drinking can be found in individuals who don’t exhibit other signs of alcohol addiction yet are still more likely to develop lifelong medical conditions compared to their non-drinking peers.
Long-term health risks of alcohol substance abuse stem from the damage it does to the internal organs. Brain damage and heart and liver disease are some of the largest concerns when it comes to the negative health effects of alcohol.
Camelback Recovery Is Here for You
If you are someone engaging in excessive drinking or have turned to alcohol due to mental disorders, there are resources such as support groups and medical teams available to provide a safe and comfortable path toward recovery. Given that alcohol can impact every aspect of a person’s life due to the mental and physical effects of alcoholism, receiving comprehensive treatment is the most effective approach toward a successful recovery.
Alcohol addiction is a condition that manifests in different forms and necessitates customized treatment options that cater to specific needs. Similar to substance dependence, the treatment for alcoholism requires medical supervision and mental health experts to address the behavioral symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
Camelback Recovery, the best mental health and addiction treatment center, provides personalized alcoholism treatment programs for people residing in Arizona. Contact us today at 602-466-9880 to ask any questions or schedule the first consultation, taking the first step toward your journey to recovery.
