Alcoholism is a kind of substance abuse that has heavy and direct consequences, not only to the person undergoing it, but also to their family, friends, and colleagues. Not only can it destroy relationships and end careers, though, it can also seriously put one’s health at risk.
Here are some of the health risks associated with alcoholism brought about by alcohol abuse.
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Physical Health Risks
Alcohol is easily accessible in the market, but there are caveats in place, the first of which is that drinking should be done in moderation. That’s because intoxication from too much alcohol does have serious effects on the body.
Slurred speech, loss of balance, and impaired judgment are the most immediate effects of intoxication. As more amounts are consumed, and the more frequent it is done, these effects become compounded over time, making it worse for the individual.
Sooner rather than later, other physical symptoms will manifest, such as bloating, dry skin, and jaundiced skin, which is indicative of liver issues. If this continues, it can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which means that the liver is so severely damaged by the alcohol content, the liver tissue turns into scar tissue.
Other serious physical conditions that come from alcohol abuse include alcoholic hepatitis, cardiomyopathy, gastritis, hepatic failure; and for women, fetal alcohol syndrome.
Mental & Emotional Health
Meanwhile, mental health is also affected by alcohol abuse. Impaired judgment essentially means that the individual is unable to discern good from bad decisions, and so ends up making n the wrong or inappropriate ones.
There are other possible reasons for judgment to be impaired, such as an underlying medical condition, but in the context of alcoholism, it’s because of inebriation from the high alcohol content in their system that’s preventing them from thinking straight.
The more a person becomes reliant on alcohol to go through their days, the easier they also become irritable and even more dysfunctional without it. Being under the influence of alcohol can cause drastic mood swings as well, and may even trigger violent outbursts. This instability in overall mood and disposition can further cause depression, anxiety, and paranoia, among others. Unless immediate help is provided, the person may soon end up losing any control of their life.
Intoxication can also lead to blackouts, or those instances when people completely forget certain recent events within a period of time. As the alcohol intake increases, so do the chances of getting blackouts.
Eventually, a person suffering from alcohol abuse will have no clear memory at all of what goes on in their days, only having brief moments of lucidity when the effects of alcohol wear off.
Seek Immediate Help
Because of how serious the consequences are of alcoholism, it’s advisable to seek professional help at the soonest possible time. Whether it’s you or your loved one at risk of alcohol addiction, a comprehensive treatment plan from rehabilitation facilities such as Villa San Miguel Detox & Wellness (https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/) can go a long way in aiding recovery.
Alcoholism is not a matter to be taken lightly, so seek credible help to regain control of your life once more.