Discover the long-term effects of alcohol abuse and how alcohol rehabs can help.
Watching a friend struggle with alcohol abuse is difficult, especially if his behavior continues to worsen as a result. Because, alcoholism is so normal in our society that we might not even realize this behavior as problematic. For that reason, if you start to notice side effects of alcohol abuse that concern you, it will benefit your friend immensely to have a conversation about alcohol use and recovery options.
The effects of alcohol abuse can begin almost immediately and can have long-lasting impacts if left untreated. So, when planning to talk to your friend about alcohol abuse treatment, it may be helpful to review the consequences of alcohol abuse with him or her to demonstrate the urgency of seeking help.
Short And Long Term Effects Of Alcohol Abuse
It’s important to note that alcohol abuse affects not just health, but also socioeconomic status. Therefore, alcohol abuse may result in poor job performance and can damage relationships. So, to prevent these kinds of problems, it’s best to seek professional alcohol rehabs.
The following outline provides valuable information about the health effects of alcohol abuse, which will enable you to fully educate your loved one as you discuss alcohol abuse treatment.
Short Term Alcohol Abuse Effects:
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Impaired coordination
- Lowered body temperature
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blackouts
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
Long Term Alcohol Abuse Effects:
- Increased tolerance
- Cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmias
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Fatty liver
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Fibrosis
- Cirrhosis
- Increased risk of cancer
- Impaired immune system
Even in the short term, the results of alcohol abuse can be life-altering and deadly. Accordingly, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible, before the problem becomes apparent. Seeking treatment early can prevent alcohol dependence, which occurs when the body is unable to function properly without alcohol. Alcohol dependence can result in uncomfortable and painful withdrawal symptoms if left untreated.
What To Expect from Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Treatment needs vary depending on the severity of alcohol abuse. Therefore, an assessment of some sort always takes place to determine a proper course of treatment, and your friend may require detox if he or she is physically dependent on alcohol. Following detox, residential or outpatient treatment may be recommended based on the intensity level decided upon during assessment.
So, if you’re interested in finding out more about alcohol addiction and alcohol rehabs, consider reaching out to Lighthouse, a Recovery Centers of America company. As a fully-equipped recovery center, we specialize in providing individualized treatment plans using the latest evidence-based research available. So, for more information, call us today at 1-800-RECOVERY.
