Alcohol abuse is a term that may seem vague. However, some of the scary side effects of alcohol abuse can take a serious toll on your life. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for alcohol abuse as soon as possible. The North Carolina men’s alcohol rehab center at Red Oak Recovery® can help you break the cycle of alcohol abuse. Call 828.382.9699 today to learn how and enroll in a program.
Negative Side Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Accidents and addiction are only part of the story when it comes to the damage caused by alcohol abuse. Drinking can also have a negative impact on your appearance, organs, immune system, and more.
Alcohol abuse can have long-term negative effects on your:
- Skin
- Weight
- Immune system
- Sleep habits
- Brain
- Heart
Your Skin
Alcohol causes the blood vessels in your face to dilate upon the skin, resulting in a red and ruddy complexion. Plus, if you have a skin condition like Rhodesia or psoriasis, alcohol can trigger a flare.
Your Weight
When you binge drink, you’re putting tons of empty calories into your body, yet you’ll still be hungry. Drinking also weakens your judgment and can easily interfere with healthy eating habits.
Your Immune System
Some studies show that your immune system is reduced after drinking alcohol. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much. And drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections.
Your Sleep
Alcohol upsets your REM (rapid eye movement) cycle or the sleep phase most important for your body to rest.
Your Brain
Alcohol suppresses three parts of your brain: the frontal lobes (helps you make decisions); the amygdala (warns us of danger and makes us feel afraid, worried, and anxious); and the hippocampus (makes memories).
Your Heart
Drinking can damage the heart, leading to the following problems: cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke.
Fortunately, there is help available for anyone seeking to break the cycle of alcohol abuse and get back on a healthier track.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse
Addiction is a difficult challenge to face on your own. However, overcoming the side effects of alcohol abuse is treatable. At Red Oak Recovery®, we offer a number of addiction treatment options. For example, partial hospitalization programs may be best for people who have faced addiction for several months. Outpatient treatment, however, may be ideal for you if you’ve been through addiction treatment before and just need help getting back on the wagon.
Moreover, we offer a variety of holistic and evidence-based therapies. Holistic therapies are therapies that treat the mind, body, and soul of the person facing the addiction. However, evidence-based therapies are therapies that medical professionals and psychologists have studied to ensure that they are effective in stopping addictions. These therapies may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Nutritional therapy
These treatment options are ideal for stopping the side effects of alcohol abuse.
The Benefits of Getting Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Getting the right treatment for alcohol abuse can have many benefits. Those who seek help for their alcohol problem may find that it improves their physical and mental health, relationships with family and friends, ability to hold down a job, financial stability, and overall outlook on life.
Treatment for alcohol abuse can involve detoxification and medication to help manage cravings, as well as counseling and therapy sessions. Detoxification helps those who are physically dependent on alcohol get through the acute withdrawal period safely, while medications can help reduce cravings for alcohol and alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. During counseling and therapy sessions, individuals will have the opportunity to explore the underlying causes of their addiction and learn how to develop healthy coping strategies and triggers that lead to drinking.
By getting the right treatment for alcohol abuse, individuals are able to gain insight into their behaviors and how they can make changes in order to achieve sobriety. The support of family and friends can also be a key factor in making positive changes and maintaining long-term sobriety. In addition to helping individuals stay sober, treatment can also provide them with the skills and tools they need to lead a successful and fulfilling life in recovery.
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse Today at Red Oak Recovery®
Early intervention is the best way to combat the physical and emotional health consequences of a substance use disorder. Don’t wait. If you or someone you love has a drinking problem, Red Oak can help you get the help you need today. Call us at 828.382.9699 or fill out our online contact form today.
