Effects of Alcohol on the Body

August 3, 2014 · Freedom Detox

How the body processes alcohol

Intoxication and addiction

• Slowed thinking and decision making;
• Slurred speech;
• Blurry vision;
• Trouble remembering things;
• Increased confidence;
• Dizziness;
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination;
• Slowed heart rate;
• More talkative;
• More risk taking behaviors;
• Excitement;
• Drowsiness;
• Fading in and out of consciousness.

The symptoms of intoxication can seem harmless, but even a one time heavy use of alcohol can result in alcohol poisoning or fatal accidents.

• Drinking daily or drinking more than once a day;
• Needing alcohol to feel normal;
• Withdrawal symptoms after going for a period without a drink;
• Having problems in relationships, career and daily life due to alcohol;
• Missing important commitments to drink;
• Distancing oneself from family and friends to avoid judgement regarding drinking;
• Needing to borrow, steal or manipulate people to get enough money to purchase alcohol;
• Dealing with legal issues due to drinking;
• Failing to retain employment due to excessive drinking.

The long term effects of alcohol on the body

Alcohol affects on different systems of the body

• The liver: liver disease and chronic liver inflammation are potential consequences of heavy drinking. They can be life-threatening issues;
• The brain: alcohol travels to the brain only minutes after sipping a drink. Even one night of drinking can result in tingling limbs, slurred speech, poor judgment, unclear memories and even fatal accidents. Over time, the frontal lobe of the brain may be damaged by alcohol as well as your brain’s ability to make and store memories;
• The heart: alcohol use disorders often cause cardiac complications like an irregular heart beat, heart disease or heart attack;
• The respiratory system:
• The immune system: drinking too much over the course of time can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off disease and repair itself once it becomes sick;
• The pancreas: excessive drinking can cause inflammation of the pancreas, resulting in pancreatitis and abdominal pain;
• Blood sugar levels: hypoglycemia or hypoglycemia can occur when the pancreas and liver are damaged due to drinking, possibly leading to diabetes.

The long term effects of alcohol on the body are serious and could be life threatening. If you’re worried that a drinking habit has caused negative consequences for your mental health and your physical wellbeing, the best time to reach out for help is today.

Getting connected to treatment

The sooner you reach out for professional care, the better your chances are for a full recovery. While some medical complications may linger, prolonging an addiction will only make them worse. Your symptoms will diminish when you get serious about quitting today.

At Freedom Detox, you can find the support you need to start recovery and stay sober for good. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, you’ll find the care you need when you detox from drugs or alcohol. Compassionate staff will keep you focused and comfortable during the challenging days of early recovery. Call today to get the help you have been looking for.