People know what the dangers of alcohol are , but many do not take into account the consequences they may suffer in the future. The excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is a social problem that must be taken seriously.
To better understand the subject, continue reading and find out more about the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and how to fight the disease of alcoholism.
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Consequences of excessive alcohol consumption
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) , alcohol abuse is attributed to more than 5% of the global burden of diseases and injuries. In addition, it compromises the functioning of the brain and affects several other organs.
According to a statistic published by the WHO, around 11 million people will have died as a result of drinking in 2022. These indicators only have an impact on addicts.
The numbers double when we link to the dangers it poses to society as a whole. Traffic accidents, domestic violence, problems at work, bad relationship between parents and children are some of the consequences and possible causes of death from excess alcohol.
Diseases caused by alcohol consumption
The Information Center on Health and Alcohol (Cisa) gathered the 10 main diseases and the risks of alcohol for health . Check out:
liver diseases
It is estimated that between 90% and 100% of people with alcohol dependence develop fatty liver (fat accumulation in the liver) as an early and still reversible consequence. With the continuation of the addiction, the condition can evolve into alcoholic hepatitis. About 40% of cases progress to cirrhosis, irreversible chronic inflammation of the liver and even liver failure.
pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse is one of the main causes of pancreatitis. The repetition of frames makes the disease more serious and can lead to the chronic form, with irreversible malfunction of the pancreas. The mortality rate of patients with the disease is about 36% higher than the general population.
gastrointestinal problems
The effects of alcohol can damage the esophagus and stomach and cause bleeding, vomiting and reflux symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol interferes with the digestion and secretion of gastric juice produced by the stomach, leading to the development of ulcers.
Peripheral neuropathy
The phrase “peripheral neuropathy” refers to the presence of nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system, which carries nerve signals from the brain and spinal cord to various body regions, including the hands and feet. Numbness, tingling, and muscular weakness can all be symptoms of the condition.
Heart and vascular diseases
Alcoholism is linked to the release of stress-related hormones. They act in the contraction of blood vessels and influence blood pressure, which can cause problems such as hypertension, increased cholesterol and triglycerides and also altering the functioning of platelets.
Arrhythmias, inflammation of the heart muscle, acute heart attacks and strokes are dangers that alcohol consumption can cause.
brain damage
Excessive alcohol use can cause difficulties in reasoning, in addition to altering important body senses, such as danger and behavior. Insomnia problems, lack of balance and motor coordination, decreased reflexes and dementia are present in cases of alcoholism.
Immune system dysfunctions
When a person’s alcohol consumption pattern is high, it interferes with the white blood cell count, responsible for protecting the body against infections. It may also weaken the immune system and increase the chance of complications if there is an accident or injury, if the individual has any preexisting illness.
Anemia
Linked to cases of gastrointestinal problems, anemia can occur due to poor absorption of nutrients. In some cases, the person’s diet is nutritionally poor and, added to the toxic effect of alcohol, can lead to more serious conditions, such as macrocytic or megaloblastic.
osteoporosis
Alcohol interferes with the metabolic balance of calcium and the production of vitamin D. When consumed in abundance, it influences bone health, especially the process of bone mineralization. Therefore, the risk of developing osteoporosis at older ages and possible fractures is greater.
Cancer
Several types of cancer are related to excessive alcohol consumption such as mouth , esophagus, stomach , liver, colon, rectum and breast . It is not yet possible to know what the causative agents are, but it is known that one of the components present in drinks, acetaldehyde, can have carcinogenic effects.
Consequences of alcohol in the family
The impact of alcohol on a person’s life is like a virus, it infects everyone around him. When a person is diagnosed, the family structure is affected. Alcoholism is a disease that destroys lives, both for the individual and those around him.
In addition to the aforementioned diseases, alcohol affects the psychological. Self-pity, remorse, guilt over eating, loss of self-esteem, depression , isolation, are some of the symptoms that affect all areas of a person’s life, including relationships with friends and family.
The family is considered a support in cases of addiction recovery. It is usually someone close to the alcoholic who notices the first symptoms and offers help. The role of family members is to find the best solution for everyone and consider all the adversities and problems that may arise, always focusing on the well-being of the dependent.
When and where to seek help?
The signs of alcoholism are diverse and can be difficult to identify. Therefore, you need to be aware of the frequency and quantity of consumption. Another factor is to understand the role that the substance plays in the individual’s daily life, if he drinks occasionally or only at special events, if he makes various excuses, etc.
If the person has any symptoms of the diseases mentioned above, it is necessary to have a firm and sensitive dialogue, showing that they need to seek help and not judge. It can be difficult to balance worry and control, but you shouldn’t get carried away by possible excuses or pitfalls to extricate yourself.
