When it comes to your health, drinking too much alcohol can lead to serious side effects. Alcohol is a depressant which means that it slows down your nervous system and functions of your brain. When you drink alcohol, the chemical imbedded in the beverage called ethanol binds with receptors in your brain which results in the feeling of being relaxed or having a good time.
However, regular drinking of alcohol will only have an unfavorable and long-term impact on your health as well as that of others around you. Heavy drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks per day for men and two drinks per day for women. Even though there are numerous studies that prove the harmful effects of excessive drinking, many people still continue to consume alcohol excessively despite the risks they are taking. In fact, an estimated 88% of adults in the United States drink alcoholic beverages at some point during their lives according to data from National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
What are the risks of excessive drinking?
Excessive drinking can have a variety of health effects, including increased risk for developing alcohol-use disorders, injury, injuries, accidents and diseases. There are also social consequences, such as engaging in risky behaviors and becoming a victim of violence and abuse. Heavy alcohol use can result in a range of problems, including alcohol-use disorders, injuries, injuries, accidents and diseases. There are also social consequences, such as engaging in risky behaviors and becoming a victim of violence and abuse.
Alcohol use disorders are long-term conditions that affect your brain and body. Alcohol use disorders include alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence and alcohol intoxication. Abuse is excessive drinking that results in problems. In the short term, it can lead to problems at home, school, or work. Dependency is a pattern of drinking that results in negative consequences, including injury, health problems and relationship problems. Intoxication is an altered state of consciousness that may be caused by drinking.
Why is it important to stop heavy drinking?
Alcohol is not only addicting, but it is also a contributor to many health problems. Research has found that drinking alcohol at even moderate levels over a prolonged period of time can increase your risk of developing certain health problems, such as liver damage, pancreatitis, certain types of cancers, sexual dysfunction, and motor vehicle accidents.
Heavy drinking can also lead to violent behavior, risky sexual behavior, and unprotected sex, which increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Alcohol is also associated with social problems. It can disrupt relationships by making people argumentative and resentful, and it can lead to poor performance at work or school. Heavy drinking can also result in poor nutritional status, which can lead to an increased chance of developing certain diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. In addition, heavy drinking is expensive. It costs an average of $2,851 per year in health care costs, property damage, and lost productivity.
Signs and symptoms of heavy alcohol consumption
- Swollen face and/or lips
- Severe headache Dizziness and/or fainting
- Slurred speech
- Unfocused eyes
- Poor memory and/or attention
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Unhealthy skin
- Constantly falling asleep
- Permanent damage to teeth
- Reduced interest in activities
- Aggression or violence
- Indecision and/or poor judgement
- Poor coordination
- Risky sexual behavior
- Paranoia
- Extreme mood swings
- Social problems
Heavy drinkers often feel a sense of tension or anxiety before they drink, which can make them want to drink even more to relieve the discomfort. Heavy drinking can also cause changes in your brain that cause you to experience symptoms such as poor memory and coordination, mood swings, and aggression and violence. Excessive drinking can also cause permanent damage to your teeth and lead to malnutrition due to nutritional deficiencies.
Can Heavy Drinking Cause Permanent Damage?
Yes. Chronic heavy drinking can cause serious damage to your liver, kidneys, and brain. Long-term heavy drinking can also increase your risk of developing certain diseases, such as heart disease, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancers. Heavy drinking has been found to damage your liver and increase your risk of developing alcoholic hepatitis.
In addition, heavy drinking can also damage your kidneys and cause them to become enlarged and/or permanently damaged. Chronic heavy drinking can also damage your brain and increase your risk of developing alcohol-use disorders. Heavy drinkers have a higher risk of developing certain forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is caused by the build-up of proteins in the brain.
Is It Possible to Recover From Alcohol Addiction?
Yes. Scientists are not sure why people become alcoholics, but they do know that there is hope for recovery. Research has found that people who want to stop drinking can do so by following a healthy lifestyle, such as: Healthy eating. Get your nutrients from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources. Exercising regularly. Exercise increases your mood and helps you relieve stress, which reduces your desire to drink. Relieving stress. If you are under a lot of stress, seek professional help to reduce it. Anger management. If you tend to become angry when you drink, try to avoid doing that.
Conclusion
Alcohol is a social beverage that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, heavy drinking is associated with numerous risks, including the development of alcohol-use disorders and injuries, injuries, accidents and diseases. Heavy drinking can have many adverse effects on your health and can even lead to death.
If you are drinking above the recommended guidelines, it is important that you seek help as soon as possible. There are support groups and resources that can help you quit drinking. The key is to take charge of your own health and do everything you can to prevent dangerous situations from arising.
Those dealing with alcoholism can obtain help before this disease causes irreversible problems. Our Columbus, Ohio facility has helped countless individuals from diverse backgrounds conquer this demon. Call us at 833-820-2922.