The long term effects of alcohol abuse

Sam Richards
Authored by Sam Richards
Posted Sunday, February 23, 2020 - 8:47am

Addiction is a struggle and has harmful effects on those who are suffering from it, as well as the people around them. Like any addiction, it is a hard habit to kick and can consume the victim in ways that they cannot control. In order to help the addicted, we must understand what they are going through and the effect it has on them. 

An addiction to alcohol is no different. Because alcohol is so socially accepted, it can be hard to pinpoint when someone has gone so far down the rabbit hole. Also, it is so powerful over the victim that they may find themselves making excuses for their alcohol intake. To empathize with those who are struggling and to understand how to help them, we must first equip ourselves with enough knowledge of the effects of alcohol abuse and how problematic it truly is in the long term. 

The Effects of Alcohol 

The effects of alcohol vary from one person to another. As some can limit their alcohol intake, while others may struggle with self-control and self-awareness, some people are oblivious to their consumption of alcohol and the hold it has over them. The reason alcohol abuse is so common is that people don’t realize their dependency on it; some feel it provides a pick me up or distraction from their personal issues, while others may depend on it to feel confident or more extroverted socially. 

The effects depend on several risk factors, from medical history, alcohol tolerance, the amount of consumption and whether or not they mix alcohol with other drugs that are legal or illegal. If you live in the UK and struggle or know a loved one who is struggling with alcohol abuse, then this url is a good place to start to get information on rehabilitation options accessible to you. You can also learn all about the costs, and explore centers to provide yourself or others with the right care that you can afford. 

It is a necessity that you get help and get in touch with the right facility. Treatment specialists will ensure you overcome addiction and guide you towards getting your life back on track. Throughout the process, they will provide you with the tools during and after treatment to ensure your recovery. 

Long Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Understand that a person’s blood alcohol content aka BAC determines the effect alcohol has on a person, which also establishes the amount of alcohol one can endure. This is why some people have a higher tolerance than others. Depending on your BAC, there are a number of side effects that can result in minor to severe complications for your health. 

Alcohol abuse affects your body internally and externally. It can cause great damage to your internal organs and damages may take time to appear; some are irreparable later in life if not dealt with. Alcohol affects one’s brain by causing memory loss, lack of coordination and other complications that are irreversible after a while. A person’s heart and liver are at risk of harmful and potentially life-threatening damages down the line. This addiction also affects other organs such as the pancreas, kidneys, and stomach. Many organs will shut down or struggle to function after long periods of alcohol abuse. The best way to prevent these complications is to start treatment as early as possible. 

Depending on one’s age, gender, the amount of alcohol they consume, medication use and their physical health, the effects of alcohol will differ. However, the high consumption of alcohol will negatively and severely impact anyone and everyone. The health risks need to be addressed in order to reverse the damages and restore one’s health. Alcohol abuse can cause heart disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, strokes, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, liver inflammations, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and antisocial disorder. Clearly enough, alcohol abuse is a serious matter and those who are addicted are truly suffering.

If this is you or someone you care about, you must take matters into your hands. Remember to research the best treatment facilities and create a group of trusted loved ones for the addicted to rely on. The effects of alcohol abuse are so severe and damaging to one’s physical and mental health and must be dealt with as soon as possible. Excessive alcohol intake is detrimental to one’s health, and in order to live a healthy and long life, we must be aware of the consequences of this abuse and be ready to face change. If you act now, you can get your life back on track, and, slowly but surely, fix yourself and those around you. 

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