You’d be surprised what alcohol can do to someone’s body. Especially if they are doing it on a regular basis (even to the point of abuse or addiction). In this guide, we’ll be going over the ten observations that were provided to us by addiction recovery experts.
We’ll show you what they are so you are aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction. For additional information and resources on how you can get help, you can try Gallus Detox. Let’s take a look now at the following list of observations below.
It suppresses your immune system
Alcohol will suppress the regular functions of a person’s immune system. This means that it won’t do its job properly to fight off infections and other illnesses. What’s even more scary is that heavy drinkers are more than likely to die from illnesses like pneumonia or various forms of cancer.
Cancer, being one of the leading causes of death, can be difficult to treat for someone who may be a heavy drinker. Thus, the possibility of fatality is even greater. If this isn’t a wake up call for those who are abusing alcohol, we don’t know what it might take.
Circulatory system issues can arise
Did you know that alcohol can also lead to circulatory issues. Even heavy drinking can increase your risk of heart disease. That’s right: alcohol can also be linked to yet another leading cause of death.
Your heart cells can become poisoned leading to consistently irregular heartbeats. High blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke are also considered a possibility for those who abuse alcohol on a regular basis. The damage can be so great that it can be irreversible.
Which means that even if you quit alcohol, the lasting effects will still exist.
It can inhibit muscle and bones
As we get older, our bone strength tends to get a bit weaker. However, alcohol can accelerate this process. A heavy drinker has a higher risk of developing osteoporosis more than someone who is a non-drinker.
Furthermore, they may also face muscle weakness as well. Cramps and even loss of muscle strength are possible for those who drink heavily. If you want to maintain the strength of both your bones and muscles, quitting alcohol now can be your best chance.
Digestion issues are likely
Alcohol can be a detriment to your body’s digestive system. Our intestines are designed to absorb the nutrients we get in what we eat. On top of that, it will also control any bacteria that may be inside our bodies.
What you may not realize is that alcohol abuse and addiction can lead to malnutrition. You may have a higher risk of starving to death if you don’t go without anything to eat for days. Aside from that, it can also cause ulcers in your stomach and esophagus.
Furthermore, you’ll also be dealing with an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Poor oral health can also be linked to bad physical health. If you want to take care of your teeth and also your digestive system as a whole, now would be the time to quit drinking and get the help you need.
Your brain and nervous system are quickly affected
Your brain is great for your memory, attention, and emotions among everything else. Alcohol can lessen the brain’s ability. Meaning you won’t be able to remember certain things.
It can also lead to blackouts if you drink heavily enough. You won’t be able to remember any of the actions or be aware of where you are. What’s worse is that with heavy drinking, you may be facing long-lasting damage to your brain and central nervous system.
The heavier you drink, the more likely you’ll be alcohol dependent. This can lead to withdrawal effects that will be severe (even fatal).
Infertility will be an issue for women
Women who drink on a regular basis can face fertility issues. This means it can slow down even halt the menstruation process. They will also face a higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. Further proof that alcohol can cut a person’s life short in more ways than one.
Erectile dysfunction occurs in males
Erectile dysfunction can be an obstacle for men who are looking to maintain an intimate relationship with their significant other. Alcohol (especially abuse and addiction) can increase the risk of this reproductive disorder. This may be one of the reasons why alcohol abuse can adversely affect relationships.
It doesn’t just affect relationships on a surface level. It will affect the intimate needs of a relationship between a spouse or a significant other.
Short-term effects of alcohol are painful enough
Needless to say, the short-term health effects of alcohol are not something to experience. Especially when it involves lowered inhibitions, memory issues, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and having issues making decisions or focusing.
The continuous experience of these effects can lead to long-lasting damage. People may want to use alcohol to get ‘drunk’ and feel good. Yet, this isn’t a good idea as you might lose control of yourself.
Mental conditions can develop (or even surface)
Alcohol induced mental disorders can occur with long-term use. This includes but is not limited to depressive, anxiety, and bipolar disorders among others. Not only that, any existing mental conditions can be exacerbated if the person is inebriated.
That’s why co-occurring disorders are diagnosed. Which means both your addiction and mental disorder will need to be treated at the same time.
Alcohol abuse can have fatal consequences
As mentioned before, alcohol abuse can have fatal consequences in so many forms. Heart disease and cancer risks are increased. Not to be outdone, those who abuse alcohol can also face liver disorders such as Hepatitis and cirrhosis.
These are two other conditions that will cause the liver to shut down. Both conditions are incurable and fatal to heavy drinkers.
