The Psychological Effects of Alcohol Abuse – Even After Alcohol Rehab
Do you have patients who are misusing alcohol? In the US, more than half of all adults consume alcohol regularly. With 6.6% of the adult population meeting the qualifications for alcohol use disorder, being concerned about patients who are drinking a lot is understandable. Therefore, you have probably talked to your patients about the many adverse side effects of drinking—liver damage, kidney damage, sleep disruption, weight gain, etc. Most people have a general idea that alcohol isn’t great for their bodies. But have you talked to your patients about the psychological impact of alcohol misuse?
Most people know that alcohol affects their brain in the short term while they are drinking, but fewer people are aware of the potential for long-term effects of alcohol misuse on the brain.
Talking to your patients about these additional adverse side effects could help them to better understand the consequences of their actions, even after alcohol rehab
10 Psychological Effects of Alcohol Misuse
While alcohol misuse can affect anyone, certain factors may determine the extent of the impact on the brain, including:
- The quantity and frequency of consumption
- The age at which a person begins drinking, and how long they continue
- The age, education level, gender, genetic background, and family history of alcoholism
- The general health status of the individual
Taking into account the factors listed above, the psychological ramifications of alcohol addiction can be severe. Interestingly, some of the effects of alcohol use may become apparent after only a short or limited use. Ten psychological effects of alcohol misuse may include:
Short-term psychological effects:
- Difficulty focusing
- Relaxation and diminished stress
- Reduced inhibitions
- Problems with memory
- Affected vision, coordination, a nd reflexes
Long-term psychological effects:
- Increased depression and anxiety
- Tolerance development and increased substance use
- Dependency, otherwise known as alcoholism
- Impaired learning and memory capacity
- Interrupted brain development
Talk to your patients about both the adverse physical and psychological effects of alcohol misuse. If you have a patient who needs treatment for alcohol abuse, do not hesitate to recommend our alcohol rehabs. The sooner an individual receives treatment, the less likely they are to experience lasting adverse effects. Look for a treatment program that is prepared to address both the physical and psychological needs of each patient. Here at RCA Westminster, we understand that recovery is more than abstinence—we believe in restoring the health of the whole person to enable lasting and sustainable recovery. To learn more about our treatment programs, call 1-800-RECOVERY today.