Excess of everything is bad. But, excess of alcohol consumption is very bad. It’s a fact that excessive alcoholics are more vulnerable to diseases of all kinds than moderate drinkers.
Though alcohol is forbidden before a certain age, we all know that the age limit can be circumvented. This creates another problem since young people can fall prey to alcohol before maturity.
Hence, the chances of keeping consumption under control are reduced considerably.
Consumption leaves one vulnerable to all sorts of health issues. Scientific studies are present that claim that it significantly lowers life expectancy.
Moderation in consumption is the key to dodging health issues. However, if one can avoid drinking altogether what can be better than that?
A few health issues directly related to overconsumption are discussed below.
You may also like:
- 5 Telltale Signs of Alcohol Dependency
- How Daily Drinking Can Lead to Alcoholism
- 10 of the Most Common Myths About Alcoholism Debunked
Liver Damage
Alcohol directly affects your liver. It’s among the most well-known causes of excessive consumption. Fatty liver and fibrosis are the most common results.
In other cases, alcoholic hepatitis is also known among addicts. The result is often cirrhosis, which is irreversible. Cirrhosis is also among the leading causes of death due to alcohol-induced liver damage.
Weakened Immune System
The immune system is the first casualty of alcohol consumption. It lowers the body’s defenses, leaving it vulnerable to all sorts of infections, and viruses.
Over an extended period, a weakened immune system lowers the body’s capability to fight off illnesses. The result is slower recovery from issues the body could have overcome easily.
Mental Health Issues
Alcohol consumption is strongly associated with mental health issues. As not tangible, these are least understood. Alcoholic persons are more susceptible to depression, are more anxious, and more prone to cognitive impairment.
Memory issues are also common among alcoholics. Sleep patterns are disturbed and mood swings are also associated with chronic alcohol consumption.
Painful nerve damage is also common, long after sobering up.
Digestive Issues
As alcohol is acidic, it damages the internal workings of the digestive system. The lining of the stomach is inflamed. Heartburn and nausea are common symptoms of this inflammation. Inflammation over a long period gives rise to other issues like ulcers.
The esophagus and pancreas can also become inflamed. Pancreatitis is a condition associated with inflammation. Digestion, especially of important nutrients like B12 becomes difficult. To cut it short, alcohol consumption is anathema to your digestive processes.
Cancer Risks
Chronic alcohol consumption leaves you vulnerable to various types of cancer. With consistent overconsumption, alcohol damages the cells in your mouth, esophagus, and other related parts.
Moreover, the intestines and breasts are also vulnerable to cancer.
Alcohol consumption leaves your cells more vulnerable to cancerous agents in tobacco. So, when you smoke with overconsumption, you are more prone to cancer.
Social and Behavioral Issues
Alcoholism is the root cause of numerous social issues. Addiction and uncontrolled dependence lead to more serious outcomes. Alcoholics are usually people who have ruined their social lives. Family ties, career, and all such important aspects of a healthy person’s life are lost due to alcoholic consumption.
Many cases can be found where overconsumption has led to situations where people have lost whole life’s work within moments. Relationships are most damaged due to a partner’s overindulgence in alcoholics.
Workers lose productivity due to this and often end up losing their jobs. Families are broken because the man or woman of the house can’t keep the nefarious habit under moderation.
Addiction is both a cause and a symptom of isolation and loneliness. People withdraw from their social life and it becomes increasingly difficult to get them back on track. In such cases, professional help has to be taken.
It is a common observation that financial problems are directly tied to alcoholism. People spend insane amounts of money on fulfilling their thirst because they end up spending everything. Popular media is filled with instances of riches to rags due to alcoholism.
Do you know how long does it take to get sober? If you do not, I would advise you to keep a tight lid on your consumption. Especially if you occasionally find yourself in situations where any misdemeanor can get you kicked out.
How to Undo it?
The first step in leaving alcohol would be to acknowledge that it is a problem and you are under its influence. At a chronic stage, it is impossible to leave alcohol without expert help.
The repercussions are too much to be handled single-handedly. Withdrawal symptoms are best managed with addiction specialists under tailored coping strategies. Last but not least, having one’s loved ones by his side during the journey back can work wonders.
About The Author:
Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate about writing about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest health news for medical clinics and health magazines.
