Alcoholism can be devastating not just for the one suffering from addiction but for the friends and family of that person too. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, 88,000 people in the United States die from alcohol-related deaths. This is all the more reason why it is important to go into treatment as soon as possible so that you do not face the physical side effects of alcoholism.
Liver Disease
Liver damage can occur from abnormal use of lipids in the liver cells which make the liver fatty and thick. Too much fat in the liver replaces the healthy liver tissue and gets bigger. Inflammation can occur along with nausea, discomfort, vomiting, and fatigue.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is when the liver is inflamed, causing cell and organ destruction. You can lose your appetite suffer severe abdominal pain and swelling. This disease can be fatal if not treated.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is when the liver is severely damaged by poor health and the constant presence of alcohol. The body is not able to repair itself and the liver cannot make blood flow easier. You can develop ascites which is a gathering of liquid in the abdominal cavity which leads to swelling. This will cause you to have trouble breathing, kidney failure, severe pain and discomfort, and can die from complications if not treated.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
This syndrome causes someone to have dementia caused by vitamin B1 deficiency brought by poor nutrition and malnourishment. This will cause you to have trouble metabolizing glucose which leads to brain atrophy. This condition can be fatal if it is not treated as the brain cells become damaged beyond repair and the brain tissue deteriorates.
Suicide
More people kill themselves when they are under the influence of alcohol than the general population. If they are feeling depressed, they will self-medicate with alcohol which worsens symptoms. This contributes to depression and suicidal thoughts. Alcohol can lead to impulsivity where you make spur of the moment actions without thinking. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please know that your life is valuable. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately, at 1800-273-8255.
Car Accidents
Being under the influence of alcohol can increase the risk of reaction times, coordination, cognitive processing, vigilance, hearing and vision when driving. Alcohol slows down brain functioning and makes it hard to respond to situations as well as reacting to danger and decision-making. You will not be able to tell how fast you are going or the distance between yourself and other people and objects.
Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center’s mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
