If you’ve ever had a little more alcohol than you should, you know about alcohol effects on the body. But in this situation, you might just be thinking about the subsequent hangover. In fact, the chemicals in the drug begin affecting your body from the first sip you take. Over time, these effects can build up to create dangerous, sometimes deadly, consequences.
How does alcohol affect your body? First and foremost, alcohol is a depressant. That means it slows down the communication between your brain cells. This can lead to problems with coordination, balance and judgement. It also impairs your ability to think clearly and make good decisions.
Secondly, alcohol is a toxin. When it’s broken down in your body, it creates a number of harmful byproducts. These can damage your liver, pancreas and other organs. Chronic alcohol abuse can even lead to cancer.
Finally, alcohol is addictive. The more you drink, the more your body adapts to it. To feel the same high, you need to drink more and more. This can quickly lead to addiction and serious health problems. When the problems become severe enough, death becomes a possibility. If you are struggling with alcholism, call 866.262.0531 to learn about our alcohol rehab program at Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon.
3: Alcohol is the Third Leading Cause of Preventable Death in the United States
The experts at Jama identify alcohol consumption as the cause of death for nearly 4% of individuals. It’s after tobacco use and poor diets as well as lack of exercise.
1 in 3: Number of Liver Transplants Necessary because of Alcohol
Researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) make the connection between alcohol use and liver disease. The liver is the organ that breaks down any alcohol you consume. In the process, the chemicals of the drug damage the liver, which leads to an inflammation of the organ. The organ’s failure starts with fat buildup and then results in alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.
500,000: New Heart Failure Diagnoses Each Year in the United States
As the Current Atherosclerosis Reports Journal notes, each year there are another half-million new cases of heart failure. There’s a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and this disease. Examples include alcohol-caused triglyceride increases, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and irregular heartbeats. Long-term drinking, as well as incidents of bingeing, can lead to heart problems and death.
Between 100 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL: Safe Blood Sugar Levels for People with Diabetes who Drink Alcohol
The American Diabetes Association states that moderate drinking may not cause problems. But depending on your drink of choice and the amount you consume, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia. This risk continues for a 24-hour period after drinking. Symptoms may include disorientation, dizzy spells, and an inability to stay awake.
7 Out of 10: Number of People who Develop Mouth Cancer and Drink Heavily
Regular excessive alcohol consumption is a major factor in the development of certain cancers. In the case of mouth cancer, the NIAAA also identifies alcohol in cases of larynx and esophagus cancers. But the alcohol-related cancer risk does not end there. Additional cases involving the liver and breasts may also connect to alcohol consumption.
Reduce Adverse Alcohol Effects on the Body with Treatment
You can avoid many alcohol effects on the body by curtailing consumption to moderate levels. But when you suffer from an addiction, alcohol treatment programs offer a way out. Examples of treatment options include:
- Men and women’s rehab for gender-centric therapies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and other modalities
- Group therapy sessions as well as one-on-one talk therapy
- 12-Step recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, please seek help. At Crestview Recovery, friendly therapists partner with you to overcome an alcohol use disorder. Contact us today at 866-580-4160 for immediate assistance.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
