Alcohol is a socially accepted drug and is used by millions of people every day. However, the risks of alcohol abuse are very high and may not be fully understood by those who drink. As a result, it is critical to fully understand how drinking affects you, both in the short- and long term. You also need to understand whether or not there are any safe levels of alcohol consumption and whether or not you have alcoholism and need rehab help to regain your sobriety. Read on to learn about the risks of alcohol abuse and what the different risks are.
Short- and Long-Term Risks of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a problem that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, the social nature of drinking makes it more accepted than other types of addictions. This is why many people just ignore this problem. Additionally, the risks and dangers that alcohol abuse causes are high, even in the short term. A few short-term problems you may experience when drinking alcohol include:
- Higher potential for injuries, such as vehicles crashes
- Greater risk of violence, such as fistfights and domestic abuse
- The danger of alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly
- Potential for risky sexual behaviors
- Physical health issues, such as nausea and agitation
In addition to the short-term risks of alcohol abuse you may experience, there are also long-term effects that you may see if your alcohol abuse continues for an extended period of time. The short-term risks of alcohol abuse are very troubling but not as severe as long-term health issues, which can include:
- Higher blood pressure
- Greater risk of stroke and heart attacks
- Long-term liver disease and stomach problems
- Cognitive damage that could cause dementia
- Depression, anxiety, and other problems
- Social issues that include disconnect from loved ones
All of these risks of alcohol abuse can occur in anybody who drinks regularly. While people who drink more consistently high levels of alcohol will experience worsened symptoms, these are all present when a person drinks. As a result, many people may be wondering if their daily glass of wine is safe and if drinking means that they are an alcoholic who needs rehab treatment. It is important to understand how to consume alcohol responsibly and how to avoid alcohol abuse.
Is Any Level of Drinking Safe?
Many people believe that they can negate the risks of alcohol abuse by cutting back or limiting themselves in their daily consumption. But is any level of alcohol use safe? It is true that a person who drinks one beer per week is doing much less harm to themselves than those who drink more. But alcohol is a poison, albeit one that can be tolerated by the body for a long time.
And, like any poison, alcohol will damage your body in ways that can be irreversible if the abuse level is too high and consistent. That does not mean that everybody who has two drinks every two weeks is an alcoholic or needs rehab treatment. Instead, it just means that their risks of alcohol abuse are much lower. Understand, though, that even these people are hurting their bodies with alcohol every time that they drink.
Ways We Can Help
If you are worried about the risk of alcohol abuse, please call 866.262.0531 today to transform your life. At Crestview Recovery, we provide treatment such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, dual-diagnosis, and much more. All of our care comes from master-level therapists, so please verify your insurance to get started. Believe us when we say it is never too late to transform your life for the better.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
