Alcoholism is a serious disease. It can affect your body in so many ways. This guide will go over the ten things that you need to know about it. Getting the help you need is possible.
If you or someone you know is dealing with alcoholism, Epiphany Wellness will be able to help. If you are looking for a rehab facility near you, check out this website right here: https://epiphanywellness.com/locations/tennessee-drug-rehab/. Now, let’s take a look at the following list of ten things to know about alcoholism and its effects on the body.
Liver damage
The liver will often suffer the brunt of the damage due to alcoholism. This vital organ is responsible for filtering toxins from the bloodstream. As alcohol is entered into your system, so do the toxins themselves.
Liver damage is one of the major issues to arise due to alcoholism. This can also lead to other conditions such as liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis. These conditions are considered to be fatal.
Your liver may shut down and thus be unable to filter the toxins. This may be one of the leading causes of death due to alcoholism.
Brain damage
The next organ that faces damage is the brain. That’s because alcohol can lead to a series of neurological issues. This includes impairment of memory, reduction in cognitive functions, and brain shrinkage (over a long period of time).
Confusion and difficulty with coordination will also arise. Alcohol will also lead to long term damage. This can lead to potential neurological diseases.
You may also have balance and mobility issues as well. Your brain is just as important of an organ compared to the others. The more damaged it is, the worse it will be for your health.
Heart disease
Those who deal with alcoholism will also risk the increase of heart disease. This is one of the top causes of death in people in the United States. It is also responsible for issues such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
Irregular heartbeat and heart failure will also be a recurring issue for someone dealing with alcoholism or heart disease associated with it. If you want to stop the risk of heart disease, now is the time to get the help you need to treat your alcoholism as soon as possible.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas (or pancreatitis) can lead to diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, and blunt the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.s This gland is important for the purpose of digestion and hormone regulation.
Alcoholism can also lead to other issues of the pancreas. This may include pancreatic cancer, which is a serious, if not, fatal form of cancer with a low survivability rate. Alcohol can be something that can cause a slow death.
One more reason why getting help for alcoholism is an option that should never be taken off of the table.
Cancer
Alcoholism can lead to an increased risk of various cancers. This can include cancers of the liver, breast, colon, liver, and throat among others. This disease is the second leading cause of death in Americans (behind heart disease).
Imagine struggling with an issue where such risks of dying from one of two leading causes of death increase. This is possible if you continue relying on alcohol to get you through the day. You may be lucky enough to catch it early and have it treated.
Even if you do, you should strongly consider quitting alcohol and getting the help you need. Doing so can lead to successful cancer treatments.
Malnutrition
As mentioned earlier, malabsorption of nutrients can exist. This can be due to pancreatitis. However, malnutrition can exist because alcohol will damage the lining of your digestive system.
This kind of damage can lead to the malabsorption of the nutrients you need for your body to function properly. Imagine eating foods that are good for you. Only to never receive the nutrients that will benefit your body as a whole.
You owe it to your body to get the help you need as soon as possible. You can turn things around and feel healthy once again. You may even reverse any damage that may have already happened.
Immune system suppression
Alcoholism can suppress your immune system. When this happens, your body will have a higher chance of contracting diseases and infections. For example, it can be easier to contract tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other illnesses.
It can be a challenge to get over them. It will also require extended medical attention for you to be cured from these diseases. Some of them may even be fatal if untreated.
The sooner you put your alcoholism to an end, the better.
Sexual dysfunction
Alcoholism can lead to issues such as infertility, impotence, and increased libido. This may also lead to relationship issues between you and your significant other. If such issues exist, this can only make things worse.
Depression and anxiety
Mental health disorders and alcoholism may go hand in hand. So much that it can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. It may even worsen the conditions themselves.
It can also lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Half of suicides in the United States have been connected to alcohol or drugs. When under the influence of the substances, you may not be aware of your behaviors or actions.
Withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can get serious. This can lead to tremors, nausea, and sweating. There are serious ones such as seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (which can be fatal).
When detoxing from alcohol, it is important to get it done at an inpatient facility. This can be due to the fact that medical attention is needed when experiencing these withdrawal symptoms. It is never a good idea to detox at home.
You need to be close to medical staff to treat you. Being too far away can lead to serious, even fatal consequences.