Long Term Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol has very serious detrimental effects on the body.
Alcohol has a long history of use and acceptance in most all cultures. Alcohol also carries certain medicinal properties, as evidenced by its use in cough syrups and antiseptic agents.
The widespread acceptance of alcohol consumption has led more than a few unsuspecting drinkers down the road to alcoholism. While many people can drink on occasion without experiencing negative consequences, others become trapped inside a cycle of alcohol abuse and addiction.
People who drink on regular basis may be opening themselves up to the long term effects of alcohol. Ongoing alcohol abuse patterns have cumulative effects on the mind and body. Before long, the physical long term effects of alcohol take over a person’s ability to manage drinking behaviors. Once this happens, the psychological long term effects of alcohol start to appear.
Alcohol Abuse
According to West Virginia University, alcohol abuse can take different forms, all of which can lead to alcohol addiction. In effect, anyone who abuses alcohol on continuous basis will likely experience the long term effects of alcohol. The first noticeable stage of alcohol abuse takes shape once the body becomes dependent on alcohol’s effects to function normally.
Binge drinkers may experience adverse effects from drinking without necessarily becoming dependent. In cases where a person binge drinks on a frequent basis, the risk of dependency and addiction increase considerably.
Problem drinkers engage in excess drinking in spite of the negative consequences it brings. Negative consequences may take the form of –
- Legal problems
- Relationship problems
- Problems at work
- Health problems
As addiction has more to do with a person’s belief in the “need” for alcohol to function normally, problem drinkers have likely developed a full-blown addiction.
Long Term Health Effects
The long term effects of alcohol stem from the body’s physical dependence on alcohol’s effects. Alcohol dependency can develop over the course of months or years depending on how often a person drinks and the amounts normally consumed. In effect, alcohol can cause widespread deterioration of brain cells as wells as bodily structures and functions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the long term effects of alcohol on a person’s health include –
- Heart problems
- Liver disease
- Gastritis
- Pancreatitis
- High blood pressure
- Cancers in the mouth and/or throat
- Increased heart attack risk
Long Term Psychological Effects
According to the University of Washington, the long term effects of alcohol inevitably affect a person’s psychological stability as alcohol alters chemical processes in the brain. In turn, the brain naturally adapts to alcohol’s effects, which enables a person to drink increasingly larger amounts of alcohol over time.
Psychological conditions resulting from the long term effects of alcohol include –
- Panic disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bouts of anxiety
- Depression episodes
- Personality disorders
According to the Medical University of South Carolina, depression and anxiety disorders affect one out of every three alcoholics. Likewise, major depressive disorders are four times more likely in alcoholics compared to non-drinkers.
Much like the physical effects of alcohol abuse breed continued drinking, someone suffering from depression or anxiety symptoms will likely continue drinking in an attempt to self-medicate his or her symptoms.
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5 Signs You’re Suffering from Alcohol Addiction
- Having difficulties controlling your alcohol intake, feeling dependent on alcohol and drinking despite experiencing consequences are all signs of an alcohol problem.
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Alcoholism Among Women Greatly Differs from Alcoholism Among Men
- The risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, and the risk for its potential adverse effects, differ between men and women.
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Choosing the Right Alcohol Addiction Rehab Program
- Choosing alcohol rehab may seem daunting with the myriad of options available. Understanding the differences between them is a big help.
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Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
- The effects alcohol can have on the brain are dependent on a number of factors, including age, gender, and drinking history.
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Finding and Choosing the Best Alcohol Rehab for Women
- Alcohol rehab for women was developed specifically to cater to their unique needs and address underlying issues they often have.
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Short Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse
- Abusing alcohol can lead to immediate problems in a person's life. From potential accidents to unwanted sexual encounters, alcohol abuse has been known to cause many problems.
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Treatment Options for Women Suffering from Alcoholism
- Women suffering from alcoholism are at risk for developing many health problems, and seeking treatment should be a high priority. Many options are available.
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Types of Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
- Combining therapy, medication, and support group work proves beneficial for many women suffering from an alcohol abuse disorder.
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Understanding the Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
- Alcohol abuse in itself is dangerous, however once a dependence forms, treatment is needed to prevent further consequences.
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