Alcohol is becoming more and more relevant in today’s day and age. Bars are abundant in every corner, and reunions with friends always include a beer or two. Alcoholic drinks are everywhere, and millions of people around the world have tried drinking. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 86.3% of people ages 18 and above had consumed alcohol at least once in their lives.
Because drinking is becoming more of a norm, the medical industry continuously strives to remind people of its effects on the body. It might seem reasonable for people to go to bars and consume excessive amounts of alcohol. But too much alcohol consumption takes a severe toll on our health and well-being. Here are some health risks associated with alcohol.
Brain damage
The toxins in alcohol can significantly affect how our brains work and function. Looking at a short-term point of view, excessive alcohol intake makes us feel dizzy and unwell, and there’s a tendency that we don’t even remember what we did or said when we weren’t sober.
But a drunken night isn’t the only damage that alcohol can cause to our brains. It dramatically affects communication pathways, which causes long-term mood swings, behavioral issues, and mind-body coordination problems.
Cardiac diseases
Long term drinking, or consuming too much alcohol on a single occasion can cause severe heart conditions. That’s why people with cardiac-related sicknesses are recommended not to consume alcohol at all. It can lead to stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and cardiomyopathy, which is a condition where there is stretching or drooping of the heart muscles.
Liver failure
The liver is the body part that is commonly associated with alcohol intake. The reason behind it is that toxins found in alcohol can cause the liver to stop processing the harmful components. Because of this, the toxins will flow to your bloodstream and infect your body. Long-term alcohol consumption causes the destruction of liver cells and scarring of the liver, which can ultimately result in cancer.
Weak immune system
The body’s immune system is in charge of fighting away diseases and sicknesses. Alcohol weakens the immune system, which, in turn, makes it a target for diseases. The components in alcohol slow down the ability of the immune system to function and makes it easier for bacteria and health-related risks to take a toll on our bodies.
Addiction
Alcohol is a very addictive substance. That’s why the term “alcoholic” was coined to refer to people who are excessively addicted to alcohol. Addiction is something that affects people from all walks of life. It doesn’t choose any gender, age, or race. And with the drinking and partying trend that’s dangerously emerging, it has become very simple to get addicted to alcohol.
Alcohol addiction can lead to serious health problems, but how it affects social and emotional relationships is also very concerning. Alcoholics often find themselves in conflict with loved ones, and can even experience social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. Anyone addicted to alcohol should strive for a sober lifestyle with the help of rehab or sober living houses in Tucson, AZ.
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause tremendous health issues — whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. It can also make a person prone to injuries due to accidents or violence. It’s imperative to avoid a lifestyle with too much alcohol consumption. If possible, stay away from it or consume it in moderation.
