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What are the Consequences of Drinking? NIAAA

long term alcohol misuse may cause

It can cause noticeable signs, like jaundice, tenderness in the abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss. Anyone with fatty liver disease or hepatitis should stop drinking completely to help reverse the damage. In the short term, excessive drinking can lead to accidents, injuries, alcohol poisoning, legal problems, and risky Drug rehabilitation behaviors with very serious consequences, like unprotected sex and unplanned pregnancies. While alcohol-induced memory loss can affect all ages, older adults are more vulnerable due to slower alcohol metabolism and age-related cognitive decline. Younger adults may experience more blackouts, but older adults face higher risks of lasting damage.

  • Our approach is grounded in 12 Step philosophy that encourages you to take responsibility for your alcohol recovery and treatment.
  • Alcohol misuse damages relationships by causing conflicts, emotional detachment, and neglect of responsibilities.
  • Anyone with fatty liver disease or hepatitis should stop drinking completely to help reverse the damage.
  • For many individuals, pursuing a comprehensive treatment of alcohol dependence is essential to halt cognitive decline and restore brain function.
  • It is the initial step in overcoming addiction and paving the way for a healthier, substance-free life.

Alcohol Addiction: Long-Term Health Risks and Medical Complications

Other approaches, such as motivational enhancement therapy (MET), contingency management (CM), and mindfulness-based therapies, provide additional support for emotional regulation and recovery. The fact that this critical part of a teen’s brain is still a work in progress puts them at increased risk for trying drugs or continuing to take them. Introducing drugs during this period of development may cause brain changes that have profound and long-lasting consequences. The pancreas is an organ that makes substances that support bodily functions including digestion and metabolism.

  • Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
  • In people assigned male at birth, alcohol consumption can decrease testosterone production and sperm quality.
  • Alcohol abuse damages the liver, which can lead to long-term disease that when severe is not reversible.
  • Alcohol Use Disorder is a chronic and progressive disease that can have severe physical and mental health consequences.
  • Early intervention, reducing alcohol intake, and thiamine supplementation can help prevent irreversible cognitive decline and preserve brain function.

Heart attack and stroke

long term alcohol misuse may cause

Seeking professional help, rebuilding trust, and engaging in support groups can help individuals repair relationships and regain stability. Whether it’s early on in health class, through family experiences, or in sporadic doctor visits, many of us learn that excessive drinking is ‘bad for you’ at a young age. Learning more about the specific impact alcohol has on the body’s organ systems can provide a helpful, and even life-changing perspective. While the harmful effects of alcohol can be disconcerting, healing and risk-reduction is within reach. Working with a physician can help you create a personalized plan for making a change. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from treatment with behavioral therapies, medications, or both.

long term alcohol misuse may cause

Health Conditions

Dependent drinking usually affects a person’s quality of life and relationships, but they may not always find it easy to see or accept this. People who binge drink (drink heavily over a short period of time) are more likely to behave recklessly and are at greater risk of being in an accident. This article will help you understand some of the ways that alcohol can be harmful and lead to the development of significant health issues that may lead to early mortality. Considering these hormonal dysregulations, unhealthy alcohol use can also contribute to low bone density for older men and post-menopausal women.

How is alcohol misuse different from alcohol addiction?

long term alcohol misuse may cause

The above are some of the signs that a person misusing alcohol may exhibit; however, they are not necessarily indicative of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Doctors use specific clinical criteria to diagnose alcohol addiction, or AUD. Learn what alcohol use disorder is and how to find alcohol addiction treatment if you or someone you love needs help. There are many short-term risks of drinking, and these increase with the amount a person drinks at once, and with frequency of drinking.

Excessive alcohol use

Our approach is grounded in 12 Step philosophy that encourages you to take responsibility for your alcohol recovery and treatment. The Valley Hope experience is unique in its genuine compassionate care style, a method that has helped tens of thousands of people find successful recovery over the last 56 years. Yes, alcohol misuse can lead to financial strain due to excessive spending on alcohol, job loss, medical expenses, and legal issues such as DUIs. FDA-approved medications can support alcohol long term alcohol misuse may cause treatment by reducing cravings and preventing relapse.

long term alcohol misuse may cause

The severity of alcohol-induced memory loss varies based on genetics, drinking habits, health status, and pre-existing neurological conditions. Some individuals are more susceptible to cognitive impairments than others. Early recognition of warning signs and understanding of underlying causes is crucial for intervention. Effective treatments, including medications, behavioral therapy, and support groups, provide a path to recovery and long-term sobriety. Alcohol misuse damages relationships by causing conflicts, emotional detachment, and neglect of responsibilities.

Drinking too much alcohol over a long time can harm how the brain works. Constant drinking can also change the brain’s structure, affecting mental abilities and sharpness. This increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and muscle weakness. Keeping bones and muscles strong is essential for better mobility and independence. Heavy drinking can harm the stomach and intestines, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients.

  • Over time, your brain’s structure and function change, leading to tolerance, meaning you may require higher amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects.
  • The brain is a delicate and intricate organ that must maintain a careful balance of chemicals, called neurotransmitters, for a person to function properly.
  • If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder.
  • According to NIAAA, when someone becomes addicted to alcohol, their brain chemistry changes, making it difficult to control their drinking behavior.

Most insurance plans are required to offer some form of coverage for alcohol rehab. Call our admissions navigators at to learn how to use health insurance for addiction treatment and have your benefits verified. Highly experienced addiction treatment professionals provide compassionate care and evidence-based treatment. To learn more about attending alcohol rehab in Rhode Island or alcohol rehab in Massachusetts, or to start the admissions process, contact an admissions navigator now. Thiamine deficiency, for instance, is common in alcoholics because of malnutrition. Symptoms include paralysis in the nerves in the eye, poor muscle coordination, and mental confusion.

As well as causing serious health problems, long-term alcohol misuse can lead to social problems for some people, such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness. Treatment options include medical detox, therapy, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation. Seeking help early improves mental and physical health, restores relationships, and enhances overall well-being. Professional guidance can support long-term recovery and prevent further harm. A strong sign of alcohol misuse is repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop drinking.