Alcohol dependence and addiction can cause several potential short and long-term medical complications, making the need to seek treatment even greater for some people. However, even though many people suffering from alcoholism are aware of the potential dangers, they often continue to abuse alcohol. This is because one of the main characteristics of alcoholism is an inability to control the urge to drink.
Here we take a closer look at the health conditions alcohol abuse can cause. Naturally, the severity of these conditions depends on the individual and how long they have been abusing alcohol. It shouldn’t be forgotten that alcoholism in itself is a serious health condition that can be life-threatening if it remains untreated. The main symptom of someone with alcoholism is that they will start to experience withdrawal when they stop which indicates they have developed a dependence on alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweats and clammy skin
- Anxiety and depression
- Dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes
- Headaches and mood swings
- Shakes, nausea, and vomiting
- Disturbed sleep patterns
There are several body systems that can be damaged as a result of drinking too much alcohol including the following:
Cardiovascular system: Heavy drinking can result in high blood pressure, increase the risk of heart failure, coronary inflammation, and stroke.
Digestive system: Alcohol abuse can cause the stomach lining to become inflamed, creating ulcers in the stomach and esophagus. This restricts the absorption of vital vitamins and nutrients which can create other health complications.
Eyes: In some cases, individuals can suffer from involuntary rapid eye movement as a result of heavy drinking, which creates weaknesses in the eye muscles and sometimes paralysis.
Immune system: The body’s defenses against disease can be weakened through alcohol abuse, making it more likely for a sufferer to contract illnesses.
Liver: Liver damage can be extensive as a result of alcohol abuse, with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver both significant risks to heavy drinkers.
Nervous system: Confused thinking, short-term memory loss, and dementia are caused by alcohol abuse.
Skeletal system: Alcohol consumption makes it difficult for the body to produce new bones and can make them more brittle and prone to breakage.
Alcoholism is an illness that often causes other more serious complications to develop if left untreated. Casa Recovery is a team of addiction specialists offering alcohol addiction treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA. If you are concerned about the medical conditions stemming from alcoholism and want to find out more about treatment, call us in confidence today and get the help you or your loved one needs.