Alcohol addiction is something that is dangerous for you physically and mentally. To take it a step further, this guide will go over ten different things you’ll need to be aware of. Needless to say, an untreated addiction will make things worse.
It’s important for you or someone with an alcohol addiction to get the help they need as soon as possible. For more information on knowing where to start, check out the Absolute Awakenings website. Let’s dive right into the the following list below:
Table of Contents
It can affect your memory
Your short-term and even long-term memory can be affected by alcohol addiction. You might not remember what happened hours or even days prior because you might have been inebriated. You might not have been sober enough to be aware of what may have happened or the behavior you may have displayed.
When you are sober, someone may ask questions about certain events. You will have difficulty remembering. It will be a common occurrence no matter how much you drink on a regular basis.
It can increase risks of suicide and other mental issues
Alcohol has the ability to allow a person to behave in an impulsive manner. That’s because their inhibitions are lowered. This means they are also susceptible to exhibiting behaviors or self-harm and even suicide.
It may come as no surprise that most of the suicide deaths may be alcohol related. In fact, half of those deaths reported were to be the case. Nearly a quarter of those who are addicted to substances will face an increase risk of suicide.
This is one more reason why now is the time to get the help you need rather than never.
Increased cancer risk
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, if not, the world. Alcohol addiction can increase this risk, regardless of what’s being involved (such as cancer of the mouth, bladder, colon, etc.). Cancer is considered to be one of the nearly 200 chronic diseases that are linked to alcohol addiction.
If you quit as soon as possible, you can reduce this risk over the course of time. Otherwise, you may continue to go down a path of destruction that can have long-lasting effects.
Heart disease is possible
Sticking with leading causes of death worldwide, another is heart disease. You’ll face an increased risk with alcohol addiction. Especially with such issues like high blood pressure, increased risks of heart attack and stroke, among others.
If anything, alcohol has the ability to narrow your blood vessels. This is why alcohol usage should not even be considered if you are dealing with certain cardiovascular issues. The sooner you quit now, the better your chances of avoiding heart disease are possible.
It can be reversible if it’s caught early. Otherwise, it may be too late. Your life should never be cut short by something like alcohol addiction (or the effects of it).
It can cause strain among your relationships
A strain in your relationships due to alcohol can have a negative effect on mental health. The stress that comes with it can be difficult to manage. To that end, it can worsen your mental health to the point where you may develop disorders such as depression.
Those who care about you will likely stage an intervention to remind you that help is available. It should also be a reminder that things can get worse if you continue with your addiction. At this point, the choice is clearer than ever.
Inability to focus
If you are under the influence of alcohol, it can affect your ability to focus. This can be a huge problem, especially if you are working and it’s required for you to be productive. You may find yourself falling behind in your tasks, which can cause a great deal of stress.
As mentioned in the previous point, stress can adversely affect your mental health. If you need to be focused and productive, don’t let alcohol be a coping mechanism for stress. To that end, don’t let alcohol consume your life when things don’t seem to be going your way.
Suppressed immune system
Your immune system can fight off all kinds of common illnesses. If suppressed, it won’t be able to do its job properly. Alcohol addiction can lead to the rapid suppression of your immune system to the point where you might be ill almost all the time.
Because of this, you may miss out on many things. You may miss out on social functions. You may even miss work and lose your job due to poor attendance.
You’d be surprised by how much can pile up because of your alcohol addiction. Especially when it comes to your physical and mental health. Yes, your personal and professional life also suffers the brunt as well.
Poor sleep quality
Poor sleep quality and mental health go hand in hand. Alcohol addiction goes hand in hand. You may lack sleep because you may be up all night partying or even satisfying your alcohol addiction all by yourself.
It’s never a good idea to sleep a few hours consistently and get through the day. On average, you need about 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. It would be near impossible if you or someone with an alcohol addiction.
With poor sleep, you may not be able to think straight. You may also be highly stressed. These can be adverse to your mental health if done constantly.
Increased depression
With depression, the likelihood of suicide is increased. You will have negative thoughts and feelings about yourself along with long-term periods of sadness. You may even use depression as an opportunity to consume more alcohol (which should never be the case).
Alcohol will seemingly make things worse if you continue to ‘drown your sadness’ with it.
Most of the health issues can be fatal
Many of the health issues associated with alcohol addiction can be fatal. As mentioned earlier, there is cancer and heart disease. However, you’ll also be faced with liver disorders (cirrhosis being one of the most serious).
These health issues are incurable and thus increase the chances of becoming fatal when they get worse. If this isn’t a good reason to get yourself the help you need, then what will it take?
