The Top 5 Dangers Of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol causes a variety of health issues through prolonged drinking. Organ damage and metabolic disorders are quite common among people who drink frequently. Chronic alcohol use can also increase the risk of certain cancers such as:

• Breast Cancer
• Colon/Rectal Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Pharynx/Larynx Cancer

Some of the more immediate risks of alcohol use include:

• Cirrhosis: Significant scarring and severely reduced function of the liver.
• Hepatic Steatosis: Buildup of fatty cells in the liver that can cause liver swelling and reduced function.
• Alcoholic Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver which can cause jaundice, ascites, fever, confusion, and fatigue.
• Chronic Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas due to tissue damage; can lead to Type 2 Diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin desensitization due to frequent blood sugar fluctuations and pancreas damage.
• Cardiomyopathy: Toughening, weakening, and distention of the heart muscles which impedes blood flow to the rest of the body. This can lead to organ damage elsewhere in the body and can even progress to congestive heart failure.
• Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular heartbeat which can cause low blood pressure, fatigue, blood clots, fluid buildup in the extremities, and can lead to other heart conditions or stroke.
• Alcohol-Induced Hypertension: High blood pressure which can lead to heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm as well as kidney problems, vision loss, metabolic syndrome, memory problems, and vascular dementia.
• Ischemic or Hemorrhagic Stroke: Lack of blood flow to the brain or bleeding in the brain resulting in brain damage or death.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Loss of sensation, a feeling of pain, or weakness in the extremities due to nerve damage; can be chronic or even permanent.
• Alcoholic Dementia: A wide range of conditions fit under this umbrella term, but these often produce problems with perception, memory, and higher reasoning.
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A neurological disorder that is an intense and life-changing form of alcoholic dementia.

Alcoholic drinks are also known to contain contaminants. Ethyl carbamate, also known as urethane, is a common contaminant that forms naturally during the fermentation process or during storage. It is found in most alcoholic drinks, but highest in distilled liquor and fruit brandies. It is a Group 2A (probably carcinogenic to humans) carcinogen and is known to cause tumors in animals on the lungs, liver, skin, mammary glands, and lymph nodes.

Alcohol also causes a wide variety of birth defects, collectively referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Drinking while pregnant can have numerous effects on the fetus, some of which include:

• Distinct Facial Features
• Low Birth Weight
• Microcephaly (low brain volume and skull deformation)
• Lower Number of Neurons
• Improperly Functioning Neurons

Fetal alcohol exposure is a major contributor to preventable birth defects in the United States. It is strongly advised to remain alcohol-free or enter a detox center as soon as possible during pregnancy.

In the United States today, every 50 minutes someone is killed in a car accident where at least one driver is under the influence of alcohol. Of the 51,914 people killed in car accidents in 2016, about 19% (9,885 fatalities) involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08% or greater. Even if nobody is injured or killed, DUIs carry very serious legal penalties. While the sentences vary greatly between states, in most cases you can expect a suspension of a driver’s license, community service, a requirement to attend a DUI class, and probation. The initial fine, plus any probation charges, often end up being several thousand dollars. Repeat offenders may be required to get an ignition interlock device installed in their car, wear a BAC ankle monitor, and attend recovery group meetings multiple times per week.

Aside from driving offenses, alcohol is involved in a significant percentage of violent crimes. This is in part due to its widespread use and ease of access as well as its effect on lowering inhibitions. A report by the National Crime Victimization Survey found that of domestic abuse crimes, 51% involved a perpetrator under the influence of alcohol. For simple assault, alcohol was involved in 65% of incidents. For aggravated assault, it was involved in 23% of cases.

Alcohol use, due to the impression of inhibitions, leads to greater risk-taking behaviors. This could take the form of risky physical activity, unsafe sex, or it may encourage someone to do drugs that they would never do while sober. It is not uncommon for people who have been drinking to use a stimulant such as cocaine, thinking that it will help them “drive safer.”  This lowering of behavioral inhibitions can have a cascade effect in many other areas of someone’s life such as legal issues, health issues, social issues, or developing new addictions.

Many sexual issues such as infidelity, unprotected sex, multiple-partner sex, and indiscriminate sex occur more frequently when alcohol is involved. This can increase the risk of STDs and damaged relationships. Finally, when under the influence of alcohol, people are much more likely to engage in physically dangerous activities such as fighting, stunts, or trying to impress people in ways that are beyond their normal abilities. This raises the risk of serious or even fatal physical injury.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use and can’t stop, give us a call and see how our Georgia rehab centers can help.