For those facing challenges with alcohol use, it’s important to recognize the long-term effects of alcohol. It can affect the brain, heart, and liver. Acknowledging these effects highlights the importance of seeking alcohol addiction treatment for alcohol use disorder. A healthier and alcohol-free future is possible.
Woodland Recovery Center in Mississippi offers addiction treatment options to support people on their path to recovery. Call 662.222.2989 to discover a treatment option that suits your needs.
The Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body
1. Damage to the Brain
The slurred speech and slower reaction times that are common when someone’s had too much alcohol are a clear indication of alcohol’s impact on the brain. Many people don’t know that these short-term effects can have long-term consequences. The entire central nervous system is affected by alcohol. Over time, alcohol exposure can actually damage the brain. Frontal lobe damage is common, which can lead to:
- Short-term memory issues
- Problems with judgment
- Problems with emotional control
People who have an alcohol dependency may lose their ability to think clearly and make rational choices. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a condition that leads to permanent brain damage. This condition begins when alcohol causes a thiamine deficiency, which in turn causes brain damage. If left untreated, this can turn into psychosis, which causes permanent learning and memory problems.
2. Liver Disease
Not only does alcohol use affect the brain, but it also affects the liver. The liver breaks down and removes harmful substances from the body, and this means it’s the primary organ that deals with alcohol when you consume it. Long-term exposure to alcohol causes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a progressive condition that has the potential to become quite serious.
The first stage of ALD is fatty liver disease. This occurs when fat accumulates around the liver and inhibits its function. Continued alcohol use causes acute alcoholic hepatitis, or swelling of the liver, which can lead to liver failure. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most severe type of alcoholic liver disease, and it occurs when inflammation causes scar tissue buildup in the organ. Cirrhosis makes it difficult for the liver to do its job, creating a buildup of toxins and waste in your body. This type of alcoholic liver disease is often fatal.
3. Circulatory System Damage
Besides affecting the liver and brain, alcohol can harm your circulatory system. Regular alcohol use increases the risk of heart issues, especially in women. Alcohol use often causes a condition called cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart no longer pumps blood well, which can have far-reaching implications for your overall health.
Some other common problems associated with drinking and the heart include:
- Risk of heart attack or heart failure – Alcohol use can cause high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for both heart attacks and heart failure.
- Stroke – Alcohol use increases the risk of stroke because it can cause high blood pressure and damage to the brain.
- Arrhythmias – Alcohol use can cause irregular heart rhythms, which can be potentially dangerous.
- Pancreatitis – The pancreas is a gland that produces enzymes for digestion and hormones to regulate blood sugar. Alcohol misuse can lead to pancreatitis, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If untreated, it can be fatal.
- Anemia – Alcohol misuse can cause anemia or a low level of red blood cells. This can cause fatigue and other concerns.
While many of these are reversible issues, some, like heart failure or heart attack, are not; when the heart has suffered extreme damage, it’s difficult to restore its function, and you’re left with a lifetime battle for your health.
Where to Seek Assistance to Stop Alcohol Use
Alcohol use has serious consequences for your health and well-being. If you’re ready to stop drinking, you do need to understand how to do so safely. The moment you stop consuming alcohol, your body enters the withdrawal process, and this is a potentially dangerous place to be.
A treatment center offering medical monitoring and support is the best place to go through this process. In an alcohol detox program, you’ll receive help and support through withdrawal. After completing detox, you can continue with professional addiction treatment to help you address your addiction and any underlying mental health concerns you may have.
Benefits of an Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Lasting Recovery
Addiction treatment offers structured support and professional guidance that can be tremendously beneficial for sustained sobriety. It can help with reducing the long-term effects of alcohol and provide a secure and supportive environment for recovery.
Some benefits of alcohol addiction treatment include:
- Personalized treatment plans – Plans are tailored to address the unique needs of each individual, considering both physical and mental health conditions.
- Medical supervision – Continuous monitoring by healthcare professionals offers safe detoxification and effective management of withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapeutic interventions – Utilization of various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and group therapy, aids in understanding addiction and developing coping strategies.
- Peer support – Engaging with others who face similar challenges fosters a supportive community and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Preventing relapse – Tools and strategies are provided to help identify triggers and avoid relapse, promoting long-term abstinence.
These benefits create a comprehensive environment that supports recovery and empowers individuals to lead fulfilling, alcohol-free lives.
Call Woodland Recovery Center to Get Help for Alcohol Addiction
At Woodland Recovery Center, we understand the complexities of addiction and are committed to helping individuals overcome alcohol use disorder. Our medical professionals and therapists work together to provide comprehensive care for lasting recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Call 662.222.2989 today to speak with a member of our admissions team and discover a treatment option that suits your needs. You can also contact us online with any questions or concerns. Recovery is possible, and we are here to support you.
