A person who suffers from an alcohol use disorder has a variety of health problems. These issues include mental health, physical health, and long-term effects. These effects can be life-threatening and can even result in death. Therefore, it is essential to understand how alcohol use disorder affects health so that you can do what you can to help your loved one who has the disease.
Mental health
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental health condition involving increased dependence on alcohol. People who drink too much may feel guilty, ashamed, or depressed. Therefore, you must talk with your doctor about how alcohol affects your health.
There is evidence that AUD is a common co-occurring diagnosis for many psychiatric patients. In addition, it is the most common comorbid diagnosis in patients with severe mental illness.
A dual diagnosis can be stressful, especially if you do not have a support system. In addition, many patients with AUD have other psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Often, alcohol and other drugs can worsen these conditions’ symptoms.
When you have a dual diagnosis, you should see your GP or visit a drug and alcohol service like Luxury Alcohol Rehab. Your GP will be able to assess your situation and prescribe you the appropriate medications to help you manage your illness.
Physical health
Alcohol use disorder can affect your mental and physical health. It can lead to several physical ailments, including hangovers, depression, and anxiety. Some of these effects may occur after a few drinks, while others can develop after years of heavy drinking.
Alcohol can negatively affect the central nervous system, organs, and metabolism. This is especially true if you drink too much. Heavy drinking can severely damage the liver, heart, and brain.
Chronic alcohol abuse can impair balance, muscle coordination, and memory. These can all lead to falls and injuries. In addition, it can damage the bone marrow, which makes blood cells. As a result, the bones also become thinner and heal more slowly.
Chronic drinking can also decrease your immune system. This can increase your risk of contracting tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis. Likewise, alcohol can also affect your digestive tract.
Brain
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to problems with your brain. It may affect memory, judgment, and problem-solving. While some functions can recover, others may remain compromised. This is particularly true of women, who are more vulnerable than men to the effects of alcohol.
The brain is a delicate organ that must maintain a careful balance of neurotransmitters. Alcohol interferes with the regular nerve activity in the brain, resulting in short-term and long-term impairment of some functions.
Various research has focused on the effects of heavy drinking on the brain. Although these studies have not yet produced definitive results, they provide valuable information that can be used to develop effective therapies to counter the harmful effects of alcohol use.
Pancreas
Alcohol use disorder can lead to a chronic condition called alcoholic pancreatitis. In this condition, the pancreas is damaged and will not produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This can result in various symptoms, including weight loss, loss of appetite, and malnutrition.
The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that plays a vital role in the digestion process. It produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine. Once there, these enzymes break down food and help the body absorb the nutrients.
Alcohol use disorder affects the pancreas by stimulating the release of extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines. Both cause the cells to become activated and trigger an inflammatory response. Eventually, the inflammation leads to further damage to the pancreas.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of alcohol use disorder on health can be severe and devastating. Unfortunately, this condition is a problem many people struggle with and can even lead to death. But it is possible to treat this disorder. Alcohol treatment can include outpatient medical care, intensive therapy, and inpatient rehabilitation. Heavy drinking can damage the brain, liver, heart, and kidneys. It can also cause blackouts, hangovers, and other serious health problems.
Some health risks associated with heavy alcohol use are memory loss, cirrhosis, and cancer. In addition, it has been linked to mental health issues. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, you may be at risk for alcoholic dementia. Problems with memory and processing speed characterize this disorder.
