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Alcohol is a commonly consumed substance around the world, but it is important to understand the long term effects of alcohol abuse on the body. Alcohol is a depressant that can affect the central nervous system and can cause a range of physical and mental health problems.
Learn more about the long term effects of alcohol abuse here. We will go over the health effects of alcohol on the body, including physical and psychological, and provide information on how to overcome alcohol abuse.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Body
One of the most immediate effects of alcohol is on the brain. Alcohol affects the brain by slowing down the communication between neurons, which can cause impaired judgment, memory loss, and a decrease in inhibitions. This can result in poor decision-making, risky behaviour, and an increased risk of accidents.
Alcohol also affects the liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. Long-term alcohol consumption can, unfortunately, lead to liver damage. Additionally, alcohol can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as liver, breast, and colon cancer.
Alcohol can also affect the heart and cardiovascular system. High levels of alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and lead to an irregular heartbeat, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Long-term alcohol use can also lead to cardiomyopathy, a condition which means the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged.
Alcohol can also affect the immune system. This can make it harder for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. This is because alcohol can damage the cells and tissues that are responsible for fighting off infections. This can increase the risk of illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
In addition to physical effects, alcohol can also have mental and emotional effects. Alcohol can cause depression and anxiety, and it can also worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. Long-term alcohol use can lead to alcohol addiction, which can cause a range of physical and mental health problems.
Physical Effects of Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol affects the liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. Long-term consumption of alcohol can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening. The liver is also responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, and excessive alcohol consumption can overwhelm the liver’s ability to do so, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body.
Alcohol can also have a negative impact on the digestive system. It can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can also damage the lining of the intestines, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients and leading to malnutrition.
Alcohol can also affect the heart and cardiovascular system. High levels of alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and may lead to an irregular heartbeat. This can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Long-term alcohol use can also lead to cardiomyopathy. This is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged.
In addition to these physical effects, alcohol can also have a negative impact on the immune system. It can weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections, leaving individuals more susceptible to illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Psychological Effects of Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is a depressant and it affects the central nervous system, slowing down the communication between neurons. This can cause a range of psychological effects, including impaired judgment, memory loss, and a decrease in inhibitions. It can also cause feelings of euphoria or relaxation. This may be pleasurable in the short term but can lead to addiction in the long term.
Alcohol can also cause anxiety, depression, and mood swings, and it can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. In some cases, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychosis.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have some very negative effects on a person’s mental health. It can lead the person on a downward spiral and can make any bad feelings seem much worse.
Long-term alcohol use can also lead to alcohol addiction, which can cause a range of psychological problems. Alcohol addiction can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, and it can lead to strained relationships with family and friends.
How to Overcome Alcohol Abuse
There are several things you can do to overcome alcohol abuse. It’s important to take some steps in order to acknowledge the problem and seek the help you need to overcome the alcohol abuse issues.
Below is a list of things you can do to overcome alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction:
Recognise The Problem
The initial step in overcoming alcohol abuse is acknowledging that there is a problem. This may involve speaking with a healthcare professional, attending alcohol rehab or seeking support from friends or family members. It is crucial to be honest with yourself and to recognise the negative effects that alcohol abuse is having on your life.
Set Realistic Goals
Once the problem is acknowledged, it is important to set realistic goals for reducing alcohol consumption. This may involve setting some limits on the amount of alcohol consumed per day or week or setting a goal of complete abstinence.
Seek Professional Help
Overcoming alcohol abuse is not easy, and professional help may be necessary. This may involve speaking with a therapist, joining a support group, or attending an alcohol rehabilitation programme.
Identify Triggers
Identifying triggers that lead to alcohol abuse is crucial in overcoming the problem. Triggers may include stress, social situations, or emotional turmoil. Once these triggers are identified, it is easier to develop strategies for coping with them without turning to alcohol.
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies
Developing healthy coping strategies is essential in overcoming alcohol abuse. This may involve finding alternative ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or mindfulness techniques.
Build a Support Network
Building a support network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals can be instrumental in overcoming alcohol abuse. A strong support network can provide encouragement, advice, and accountability.
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John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: September 8, 2023
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.