Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down function in the central nervous system. A single instance of drinking does little to the system. However, continued drinking for several years or decades will eventually take its toll. Let’s take a closer look at the long-term effects of alcohol and why you should get help if you have an addiction. Alcohol abuse can devastate a person’s mental and physical health. However, there is help and hope available. When you reach out to Recovery Ranch TN, you’ll find support and care in a safe, serene environment. Our counselors and therapists will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. To learn more about our alcohol abuse treatment options, please reach out to Recovery Ranch TN today at 470.571.3586.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use

Long-term alcohol use can have a devastating effect on your body. After several years of excessive drinking, your organs, nervous system, brain function, motor skills, and overall mood will deteriorate, and body functions will decline. While it is never too late to stop drinking, some of the effects of alcohol can be terminal.

Brain Function

The one area of the brain most affected by alcohol is communication. This includes the ability to communicate with others or understand what others are saying to you. Alcohol also affects your mood and psychological state. Long-term alcoholism can lead to conditions such as:

Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
PTSD

When you suffer from both alcoholism and a mental disorder, you have co-occurring disorders.

Liver Infection

The connection between alcoholism and liver malfunction is well documented and commonly known. However, what you may not know is that liver damage is irreversible. Heavy drinking over time can cause conditions such as:

Jaundice
Liver failure
Cirrhosis
Liver cancer

Most of these conditions occur because alcohol breaks down the liver’s ability to resist infection.

Heart Disease

When you combine alcoholism with other health problems, you put a significant amount of strain on the heart. Eventually, you may suffer from heart disease. This condition occurs as a result of the fatty deposits that build up along the walls of your coronaries. Large amounts of alcohol can increase fatty deposits, making it difficult for your heart muscle to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

Pancreas

The pancreas is responsible for digestion and regulating your blood sugar levels. One of the long-term effects of alcohol is that it can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially fatal condition. When the pancreas is damaged or cannot function, you may experience health conditions such as:

Severe abdominal pain
Back pain, fever
Increased heart rate
Low blood pressure

Like many other organs, the damage to the pancreas may be irreversible past a certain point.

Kidneys

Large amounts of alcohol can make it difficult for the kidneys to filter blood. High consumption also keeps the kidneys from keeping the right amount of water in your body. Furthermore, alcohol can also lead to liver disease and dysfunction. These are terminal conditions that can affect your overall health.

Avoiding the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

The best way to avoid the long-term effects of alcohol is to get help for your addiction. When you’re ready to take that step, you can always reach out to Recovery Ranch TN. We offer a range of effective treatment options for those suffering from substance use disorders, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Motivational interviewing
Individual, group, and family counseling
EMDR therapy

To learn what treatment option would be most effective for your needs, please reach out to us today.

Learn More at Recovery Ranch TN

Regardless of the long-term effects of alcohol, it is never too late to get help. Recovery Ranch Tennessee offers comprehensive treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. We provide full detox, rehab, and aftercare that promotes long-term recovery and relapse prevention. To find out more about our alcohol treatment center in Tennessee, call us at 470.571.3586.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol