Alcohol is one of the most common and most accepted drugs, and its ubiquity can render alcoholism invisible. What is alcoholism? Alcoholism is the dependence on alcohol that poses problems in daily living and can lead to serious problems over time. The physical and physiological signs of alcohol abuse accumulate gradually and can be challenging to detect. If you notice the signs of an alcohol overdose, it is vital to seek medical help immediately.
For more information on alcohol addiction and treatment options, reach out to addiction recovery specialists. At an addiction treatment center, a full team of addiction recovery professionals is available to help with everything from education to addiction treatment. First, however, it is best to find out the answer to the question, “Is alcohol safe?”
Is Alcohol Safe?
Since alcohol is consumed so ubiquitously, it can be tempting to assume that there are no dangers associated with alcohol use. Even drinking on occasion can have a harmful impact on the body over time. The dangers of alcohol use are numerous. Some of the ways that alcohol impacts the body are:
- Impaired mental functioning
- Impaired decision-making capabilities
- Impaired coordination
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- A weakened immune system
The dangers of alcohol use extend beyond the physical body. It is vital to stay aware and vigilant regarding alcohol use.
The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
A primary danger of alcohol consumption is that it can evolve from a casual habit to an addiction gradually and sometimes unbeknownst to the person who is suffering from the addiction or the people around them. Alcohol addiction can ravage the body. Since the impact of consuming alcohol builds in the body over time, excessive alcohol can lead to many life-threatening physical and psychological signs of alcohol abuse, including:
- Cancers including esophageal, colorectal, and breast
- Pancreatitis, or severe inflammation of the blood vessels in the pancreas which disrupts digestion and can lead to malnourishment
- Liver problems including cirrhosis, steatosis, and hepatitis
- Cardiomyopathy, which is stretching and droopiness of the heart muscle
- Stroke
Due to its impact on the brain, alcohol addiction can also lead to mood and personality disorders and permanently inhibit movement, coordination, and the ability to think clearly.
A person experiencing alcohol addiction may experience increasing isolation from loved ones, financial distress, and a loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. Alcohol addiction is a severe yet underrecognized problem and one that many people shy away from seeking support for. If alcohol use causes problems in living, it is an addiction, and help is available.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol addiction, seek support from trusted professionals today.
Signs of Alcohol Overdose
An alcohol overdose occurs when alcohol enters the body more quickly than the bodily systems can process it. It can be fatal if gone untreated.
Signs of alcohol overdose include:
- Unconsciousness
- Slow, gaspy, or irregular breathing
- Pale, blueish skin that is clammy and cool to the touch
- Extremely uncoordinated movement
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Cardiac arrest
If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and monitor the person until help arrives. Overdose often signifies a more significant alcohol addiction.
Learn More About Overcoming Dangers of Alcohol Addiction Today
So, is alcohol safe? Alcohol can be dangerous, but alcohol addiction is a treatable disease. If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol addiction, seek help today. There are highly qualified and compassionate professionals who offer high-quality medical, psychological, and spiritual expertise to support and guide you through the process of addiction recovery. Learn more about the dangers of alcohol use from a team of experts today.
