The consumption of alcohol frequently leads to physiological dependency, thereby addiction. The impacts of alcohol are physical and mental as well and vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is encountering alcohol side effects, alcohol withdrawal treatment or rehabilitation is the first step you need to take.
This post provides insights into the side effects of moderate drinking, acute alcoholic intoxication, and chronic alcoholism. We’ve also discussed the significance of the rehab program for alcoholics.
Toxic effects of Alcoholism:
Individuals struggling with peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, hyperacidity, seizures, hepatic disorders, and unstable personalities must avoid alcohol consumption. Pregnant women must also avoid alcohol because even moderate consumption could lead to fetal alcohol syndrome.
Explore the toxic effects of alcohol consumption.
1. Side effects of moderate drinking:
Not everybody who consumes alcohol shows side effects and depends on various factors. The side effects of moderate drinking include nausea, vomiting, flushing, and hangover. Moderate drinking could lead to unfortunate events like accidents and death.
2. Acute alcoholic intoxication:
The effects of acute alcoholism include hypotension, collapse, gastritis, hypoglycemia, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Acute alcoholism worsens already existing clinical conditions like ulcers, hypoglycemia, and low blood pressure.
Most patients usually recover with supportive alcohol treatment, maintenance of electrolyte and fluid balance, and correction of hypoglycemia.
3. Chronic alcoholic intoxication:
On chronic intake, tolerance develops to subjective and behavioral effects of alcohol. Psychological dependence occurs and depends a lot on the person’s attitudes and likings. Physiological dependence occurs on heavy drinking and if the alcohol is present in the body constantly (round the clock).
- Chronic alcoholism is associated with nutritional deficiencies, impaired mental & physical performance, and neurological afflictions.
- Pellagra, loss of brain mass, tremors, and seizures are common in chronic alcoholics.
- Alcoholic liver cirrhosis, cardiac stroke, arrhythmias, and skeletal myopathy are other complications associated with chronic alcoholism.
- Respiratory infections, oropharyngeal, hepatic, and esophageal malignancy are likely to occur.
Physical effects of alcohol:
Acute or chronic, alcoholism is linked with many serious health problems. The physical effects of alcoholism are as follows:
1. Liver: The metabolism of alcohol takes place in the liver, leading to the production of more harmful metabolites. Acute and chronic alcoholism could lead to various liver problems like hepatitis (inflammation of hepatic tissues), liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver, fatty liver, and fibrosis. The individual may eventually develop hepatic cancer if alcohol consumption is not discontinued.
2. Digestive system: The presence of alcohol in the body stimulates the production of excess acid, thereby leading to hyperacidity and ulcers. Alcohol alters nutrient digestion, absorption, distribution, storage, and excretion. Nausea, vomitings, diarrhea, and acidity are the symptoms widely seen in alcoholism.
3. Pancreas: The consumption of alcohol triggers the production of toxic substances, thereby leading to an inflammatory condition called pancreatitis.
4. Bones: Calcium imbalance and disruption in the synthesis of vitamin D are associated with chronic and acute alcoholism. Excess consumption of alcohol leads to osteoporosis, thereby enhancing the possibilities for fracture and disability.
5. Heart: Acute and chronic alcoholism are directly linked to several CVS disorders like Hypertension, Arrhythmia, Heart attack, and cardiomyopathy.
6. Blood: Directly or indirectly, chronic or acute, alcoholism is known to cause severe anemia.
7. Reproductive health: Both men and women encounter serious reproductive health problems due to the over-consumption of alcohol. Women experience irregular menstruation whereas men experience erectile dysfunction. It is also said that alcoholic women are more susceptible to the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, or a baby with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Mental effects of alcohol:
Alcohol elicits a depressant action on the brain. Though people experience excitement at lower doses, key functions like breathing, thought, movement, speech, and memory are greatly influenced.
Psychological effects of alcohol include mood swings, confusion, slow reaction time, extreme relaxation, memory dysfunction, and unconsciousness. Excess alcohol consumption could also result in psychiatric problems like alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, sleep disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Alcohol use could lead to a lot of serious problems in daily life. The person may lose control over movement, find remembering things difficult, and experience a lot of confusion. Things get messed up drastically, thereby making alcohol treatment essential for the victim.
Alcoholism treatment:
Alcohol abuse disorders differ from person to person and depend on various crucial factors. Alcohol withdrawal rehabilitation programs are here to help right away. The management of alcohol addiction side effects on your brain and body is essential for better well-being.
If provided the right medical support and treatment, your physical and mental health can recover and heal quickly.
Let our team of medical professionals break your alcohol addiction with our rehabilitation programs. If you want to help yourself or your loved one, get in touch with us today to learn more about our alcohol withdrawal rehabilitation programs.
