How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Alcohol is one of the beverages people drink most often all over the world. Even though moderate drinking appears safe to some, alcohol, even in a little bit, can badly affect your body over time. No matter whether you drink once in a while or often, knowing how alcohol can harm you helps you understand when to get support.

The Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body

The brain responds to alcohol quickly because it enters your bloodstream so swiftly. Results in the short term are determined by the dose and whether a person has eaten recently. Usually, people experience certain issues after short-term use.

• Impaired judgment and coordination
• Slurred speech
• Memory lapses
• Drowsiness or blackouts
• Dehydration and nausea

As your BAC increases, your chance of becoming intoxicated and experiencing dangerous symptoms also increases. Alcohol intoxication treatment is required when symptoms get severe, especially if vomiting, slow breathing, confusion or loss of consciousness occur.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Prolonged alcohol use can lead to extensive damage across multiple body systems. The most impacted include:

1. Liver Damage

The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. Chronic drinking can lead to:

• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fibrosis and cirrhosis

In many cases, these problems need help from doctors and may even mean being hospitalized. Seeking early help for alcoholism can keep liver disease from getting worse or even prevent it

2. Brain and Nervous System

Alcohol disrupts brain chemistry and neurotransmitter function. Over time, it can cause:

• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Anxiety and depression
• Increased risk of dementia

Over time, drinking too much may cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, frequently called “wet brain,” which is an outcome of brain damage brought on by a lack of vitamin B1.

3. Heart and Cardiovascular System

While drinking a small amount of alcohol may have benefits for your heart, drinking a lot raises your chances of problems.

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Stroke

Because alcohol can cause cardiovascular problems, getting treatment as early as possible is essential.

4. Digestive System

Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract, leading to:

• Gastritis
• Ulcers
• Acid reflux
• Malabsorption of nutrients

This can result in fatigue, weight loss, and other complications related to nutrient deficiencies.

5. Immune System Suppression

Repeated drinking tends to weaken the immune system, so people can develop infections that include pneumonia and tuberculosis. It can delay your recovery when you are ill or injured.

6. Cancer Risk

The World Health Organization puts alcohol on its list of Group 1 carcinogens. Continued drinking of alcohol increases your chances of getting cancer types, like:

• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Mouth and throat cancer

Psychological and Behavioral Effects

In addition to harming your health, too much alcohol can damage your mental and emotional health. It can:

• Trigger or worsen depression and anxiety
• Increase the likelihood of risky behavior
• Contribute to relationship issues.
• Causes social isolation
• Lead to dependence and addiction.

When alcohol becomes a bigger part of someone’s life, consequences at home, at work, and in social settings can be very serious. Alcohol addiction treatment becomes necessary when someone is in this situation.

Alcohol Withdrawal and Its Dangers

If you become dependent on alcohol, trying to quit right away may result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may start just a few hours after drinking alcohol and include:

• Shaking or tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Delirium tremens (DTs)

Due to the dangers of alcohol withdrawal, it’s required by doctors for those suffering to receive treatment with expert care. Our team at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions is trained to support patients during their alcohol detox and provide a secure setting.

When is Alcohol Use a Problem?

Drinking becomes a problem when it interferes with daily life or causes harm to your health, relationships, or responsibilities. Signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD) include:

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Failed attempts to cut down
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering
• Cravings or urges to drink
• Neglecting obligations due to alcohol
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences

If any of these describe you, you might consider getting help with alcoholism. The quicker you get help, the more likely it is that you will recover.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

Being supported can help people overcome addiction to alcohol. Different treatment options are used depending on the person and how extreme their addiction is:

Treatment Centers for Alcohol

At inpatient or residential alcohol treatment centers, you receive around-the-clock care in an organized setting. Such programs are suitable for people with serious AUD and health problems.

Alcohol Treatment That Can Be Done at Home

Those fighting alcoholism with less severe symptoms or with good support at home can access flexible treatment. This option makes it easy for people to work or study while getting treatment.

Medical Detox

Often, people who experience withdrawal begin with medical detox. Treatment for alcohol withdrawal helps manage the symptoms and keeps problems from getting worse as you begin to recover.

Therapy sessions

These therapies allow persons to see what triggers them, gain new skills for coping and replace negative habits.

Substance Abuse Treatment 

Some medicines that the FDA permits use can help relieve cravings and prevent alcohol from having a positive effect. These include:

• Naltrexone
• Acamprosate
• Disulfiram

Help and Support after Rehab

Getting better doesn’t stop after you finish your treatment program. Aftercare programs and groups, such as AA, should be attended since they play an essential role in long-term sobriety.

Contact us Today: Recovery Starts with One Step

Even though alcohol is accepted in society, it can seriously harm the body, mind, and daily life while being used. If you notice a problem for yourself or a loved one, don’t delay. Proper treatment can help fix or reduce the harm from alcohol, and action taken early can improve your recovery.

If you want to learn more about our alcohol treatment services, visit Palm Coast Treatment Solutions or call us at (386) 284-4151. Let us guide you in managing your health, feeling better, and returning to your life.

Related posts:

Overcoming Alcohol Addiction: Finding and Getting Help Binge Drinking Disorder: What it is, Symptoms, and Treatment Binge Drinking vs. Alcoholism: What’s the Difference? Unveiling the Neurobiology of Alcoholism: Insights and Treatment