Long-Term Effects of Alcohol: Dangers, Risks & Effects

The most destructive form of alcoholism is chronic alcoholism, an emotionally, socially and physically devastating disease. Alcoholism emerges from alcohol abuse, when there’s a pattern of drinking despite negative consequences. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are both categorized as alcohol use disorders—affecting people of all ages and stages of life. Only a qualified mental health professional can give you an official diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. Late-stage, or end-stage alcoholism, is a full-blown addiction to alcohol, almost always requiring alcohol detox to start recovery.

The Stages of AUD

In 2021, researchers estimated nearly 30 million people ages 12 years and older in the United States had alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recovery from alcohol addiction generally follows the stages of abstinence, withdrawal, repair, and growth. Binge drinking is characterized by the consumption of around four drinks within two hours for women and five drinks within two hours for men. If https://thearizonadigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ this is a normal amount for your loved ones, it’s time for them to seriously reconsider their drinking habits. Enjoying the sensation of rapid onset drunkenness and drinking to seek inebriation as quickly as possible is dangerous and may indicate a deeper problem. A person with AUD will drink alcohol excessively despite knowing the occupational, health, and social consequences.

Mental Health and Psychological Effects

The individual may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop drinking. It’s evident when someone is at the end-stages of their alcohol addiction. They see severe impacts on their health, relationships, employment, finances, and overall satisfaction with life.

• Alcohol addiction can begin before an individual starts drinking—due to genetic predispositions or attitudes and perceptions consistent with those who suffer from alcohol dependence.
• At this stage, the alcoholic will have just started to develop a tolerance and dependence on liquor.
• Alcohol addiction is characterized by a physical and psychological need to drink.
• In the DSM-5, alcohol use disorder is further classified into categories of mild, moderate, and severe.
• The brain is highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol, which disrupts communication between brain cells.

Stage #3: Problem drinking

• This is because young minds may have a dopamine deficiency and may get a bigger thrill from drinking alcohol.
• Occasional alcohol consumption may cause difficulties while they are under the influence or the following day, but they have not become addicted.
• Early-stage alcoholism is the beginning of the person’s chronic alcohol use.
• They will likely need to rely on medical detox services in order to ease their withdrawal symptoms.
• Call Nova Recovery Center today to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment options and start your recovery journey now.
• They can still go to work, go to school, or fulfill other obligations that they have.

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a disorder that involves the excessive consumption of alcohol, leading to negative consequences such as health problems, social difficulties, and impaired judgment. The field of alcohol science progressed further after Prohibition was repealed in the Sober House 1930s. Researchers conducted more studies to help them learn and understand why, regardless of the consequences, some people cannot control or stop drinking. This new phase of research laid the groundwork for how we understand alcohol addiction today. Little research on alcohol and alcohol addiction existed in the early 1900s.

This disease affects a tremendous amount of people, with over 88,000 people a year dying of alcohol-related causes. Alcoholism progresses in many different alcoholism stages, and there are different symptoms for each stage. Once you quit drinking, your body can begin to recover from some of the damage or, at the very least, prevent it from getting worse. It is important to work with a health professional to determine the best treatment plan for each individual’s unique needs.

• Health issues, including impaired liver function or sexually transmitted diseases, arise.
• Those who try to quit will often experience painful and overwhelming symptoms, and these withdrawal symptoms can even become life-threatening.
• In this stage, a person may begin to experience cravings for alcohol.
• They see severe impacts on their health, relationships, employment, finances, and overall satisfaction with life.
• It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the ins and outs of alcoholism.

During the final stage of alcoholism (also called end-stage alcoholism), the body and mind can endure several different terrible physical and mental health problems. These symptoms are the consequences of years of alcohol abuse and can often be life-threatening or fatal if alcohol addiction is left untreated. Treating the alcohol use disorder, along with the health problems caused by chronic, heavy drinking, may be possible. The first step will likely be a medically supervised detox, which will help rid your body of toxins and manage the symptoms of withdrawal. By the time a person reaches end-stage alcoholism, drinking has taken over their lives and has likely had a negative impact on relationships, work or school, finances, and overall health.

Stage #2: Loss of Control

Signs such as drinking at work, while looking after children or when driving are indicators of this stage. You’ve likely become more irritable, and alcohol may start to affect you differently. You’ll need to drink more to achieve the same effects you used to feel and often pass out from alcohol.

Once detox is complete, alcoholics can begin tackling problematic behaviors related to their addiction and learn how to live sober again. Because alcoholism is a chronic disease and alcohol relapse is common, persistence is a necessity — but success is achievable. While end-stage alcoholism is a dire situation, it’s not a hopeless one.

The impact alcohol has on the reproductive system extends beyond these temporary effects. Chronic alcohol use causes hormone imbalances in both men and women and leads to problems with fertility. Inside my 7-Day Toolkit, you can find my favorite tool, the 3-minute drinking diary, to help you uncover the hidden perceived benefits of drinking. This pivotal moment was the beginning of my journey to understanding the deeper reasons behind alcohol consumption, a journey I now navigate with my clients.