Alcohol abuse happens when a person regularly drinks too much or has difficulty controlling their drinking habits. It can have severe consequences for the person experiencing it and those around them.
Some warning signs of alcohol abuse include neglecting responsibilities, getting into dangerous situations under the influence, and continuing to drink despite the negative consequences.
People who drink too much alcohol can have negative consequences. However, these may not know how severe those consequences can be. Alcohol abuse can ruin your life in several ways, both physically and mentally. Keep reading to learn more about how alcohol can ruin your life and what you can do to avoid letting it get the best of you.
Health Problems
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to several health problems. Here are some common physical health problems connected to alcohol abuse:
Heart Disease
Alcohol, such as beer, contains calories. These calories can contribute to weight gain, increasing your heart disease risk. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. Therefore, avoid drinks with high-calorie counts, such as beer. Additionally, ensure that you limit your drinking to two glasses daily. This way, you can lower your risk of heart problems.
Liver Disease
Excess alcohol consumption can lead to a buildup of fat in the liver, causing it to become inflamed. This inflammation can eventually result in cirrhosis, a severe condition where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. You can deal with this by getting help to stop drinking and following a liver-healthy diet.
Cancer
Regular alcohol consumption can increase your risk for certain types of cancer, including mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colorectal cancer. Cancer due to alcohol use is hard to treat, so avoid it entirely by reducing alcohol intake.
Stomach Problems
Alcohol has been known to damage people’s stomach linings. These linings protect the stomach against irritating substances, such as stomach acid. This damage can lead to ulcers and gastritis. If you’re experiencing stomach problems from alcohol, consider eating before drinking and drinking plenty of water.
Oral Health Problems
Frequent alcohol consumption can decrease saliva production, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. People who lose their teeth due to alcohol use are urged to get them replaced immediately to reduce the chances of future oral health problems. They can do this through dental implants. These implants are made of titanium and are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. In addition, they can protect your gums from the potential damage of alcohol and decrease infections.
Worsen Mental Health Conditions
If you suffer from any mental health condition, alcohol is likely to make your symptoms worse. In some cases, drinking can trigger mental health problems like psychosis and schizophrenia. Here are some mental health conditions known to worsen due to alcohol:
Cognitive Impairement
People already experiencing cognitive decline, such as seniors with dementia, may experience a further decrease due to alcohol consumption. This is because alcohol has been known to worsen cognitive functioning.
Depression and Anxiety
Drinking alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, making them more challenging to manage. Alcohol is also commonly used to cope with these conditions, leading to dependency and worsening the situation even further.
Ruining Relationships
If you drink too much, your relationships will likely suffer. Drinking can cause arguments and lead to domestic violence. It can also make it challenging to perform well at work or school. If you have children, drinking may make it hard for you to be the parent they need you to be. In short, alcohol abuse can strain your relationships—and in some cases, it may even cause those relationships to fall apart entirely.
Alcohol abuse is a severe problem that can have devastating consequences. Thankfully, there are various ways you deal with it. Here are some therapies that can help you out.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Some alcoholics become dependent on alcohol because they have learned to use it as a coping mechanism for their problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that lead to alcohol use.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
This therapy helps individuals increase their motivation to change their drinking habits and seek treatment. It can also help them develop new skills, strategies, and plans for maintaining sobriety in their everyday lives.
12-Step Programs
One of the most well-known approaches to treating alcoholism is through 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These programs support other individuals facing similar struggles with alcohol dependency and provide guidance on how to live a sober life.
No matter what approach you take, remember that recovery from alcohol dependency is possible. Don’t let shame or fear stop you from seeking the help you need to live a healthier and happier life.
