Alcohol addiction has many potential consequences, including DUI charges, job loss, and broken relationships. While these are serious social impacts of alcohol abuse, there is typically less said about the long-term physical effects of alcohol addiction.
If you are struggling with the effects of alcohol addiction and would like more information on alcohol addiction rehab, reach out to the compassionate mental health professional Sierra Sage Recovery Services (SSRS) at 833.922.2884. We offer various services, programs, and therapies to help our clients overcome substance use disorders and any accompanying mental health issues.
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
The physical side effects of alcohol addiction are diverse and significant. Many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress. But some people don’t realize alcohol can be addictive, partly because it is legal for adults to consume and widely accessible.
Unfortunately, scientists aren’t yet sure why some people become addicted to alcohol while others don’t, although it’s apparent that genetics, body chemistry, and mental health issues can be contributing factors.
Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Prolonged alcohol use is very hard on the human body. The side effects of alcohol addiction do not only take place while the alcohol remains in your body. Consistent consumption can have long-term detrimental effects as well, which can impact:
The Brain
Alcohol use causes physical changes in the brain’s chemistry, altering a person’s neural pathways over time. Alcohol can overload the brain’s pleasure center, which in turn can trigger cravings. It can also compromise a person’s ability to control their impulses or make reasonable decisions.
Additional effects of alcohol on the brain include:
- Impaired judgment
- Mood changes
- Impaired memory
- Difficulty with coordination
- Slurred speech
Over time, long-term use of alcohol can even disrupt a person’s sleep patterns, further magnifying the physical effects of alcohol addiction.
The Cardiovascular System
Along with its impact on the brain, alcohol can have dangerous and permanent effects on the heart. Problems associated with excessive drinking can include:
- High blood pressure
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
- Stretched or droopy heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
Regular alcohol use or dependency can also greatly increase the risks for heart disease.
Internal Organs
The liver and kidneys work together to remove toxins from the body. Prolonged use of alcohol affects the liver greatly. It can contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing hepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis of the liver.
Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and process medications appropriately, too. Using alcohol while taking certain medications can nullify, amplify, or reverse the intended effects of the medications, creating serious health risks like a low heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, or overdose.
Alcohol also has a destructive effect on the pancreas. It can lead to pancreatitis or impact the function of the digestive system.
The Immune System
Alcohol weakens the body’s immune system, which can lead to becoming sick more easily or frequently. People who chronically imbibe alcohol are more likely to catch diseases or suffer from infections.
Inflammation
Chronic alcohol use increases inflammation by interfering with the body’s ability to regulate itself. Medical researchers explore the links between alcohol use and inflammatory conditions like swollen joints, pain and stiffness, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Additionally, inflammation increases the damage that alcohol does elsewhere in the body. For example, inflamed internal organs are more susceptible to long-term damage from excessive consumption of alcohol.
Explore Alcohol Addiction Rehab Options at Sierra Sage
At SSRS, we provide all levels of care to treat alcohol addiction utilizing evidence-based programs such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)
If you would like to learn about alcohol addiction rehab and how it can benefit you, contact the understanding mental health professionals at Sierra Sage Recovery Services by calling 833.922.2884.
