Alcoholism Side Effects

Because of the nature of alcohol and its ability to penetrate every major organ in the body via the bloodstream, chronic use of the drug can lead to some very serious side effects and prevent your cells from operating properly. For example, drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause severe damage to the liver, which is responsible for filtering toxins out of the body. Alcohol can also damage the central nervous system, the heart and the intestines. If alcoholics do not quit drinking, they can expect to have a reduced life expectancy by as much as 10 to 15 years.

The Canyon is an alcohol treatment center that is designed to provide you with holistic treatments that treat the mental, physical and emotional aspects of alcoholism. The traditional and nontraditional treatments, therapies and experiences provided for you at The Canyon will help you break your addiction and achieve long-lasting abstinence from alcohol.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Health

Alcoholism can impair many bodily functions, including memory, sight, judgment, sexual functions, circulation and can cause malnutrition, water retention and skin disorders. Alcoholism can also cause a dilatation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, as well as a weakening of your muscles and bones and decreasing the effectiveness of the body's immune system.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Obsession

Generally, once you are addicted to alcohol, you slowly begin to obsess over it, making choices about activities and friendships based on whether or not drinking will be a part of the experience. Despite the pleadings of doctors, family and friends, alcoholics will still drink to excess, and may even begin drinking at all hours of the day and night despite the repercussions. Even if relationships become damaged or destroyed or jobs are imperiled, an alcoholic will not be deterred from drinking.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Phobias

An alcoholic in the late stages can expect to experience a number of phobias and fears, including a fear of public places. They may also experience feelings of remorse and guilt while incurring debts, finding themselves in trouble with the law and even experiencing homelessness. Cirrhosis is common in late-stage alcohol addiction, and if the alcoholic does not get their required amount of alcohol every day, he or she will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. If an alcoholic is not treated for his or her addiction, the only eventuality is insanity and death.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Liver Damage

The liver not only has the function of filtering out toxins from the body, but it also takes care of breaking down alcohol. Therefore, when large quantities of alcohol are consumed, liver damage can be severe and is very common. Liver damage generally manifests in three different ways and its effects are irreversible in each case.

1. 1. Fatty Liver. In this situation, the liver cells are filled with fatty tissue, resulting in an enlargement of the liver.
2. 2. Alcoholic Hepatitis. This disease causes the liver cells to swell in size and become inflamed, which causes blockage and leads to death about 10 percent to 30 percent of the time.
3. 3. Cirrhosis. This disease, one of the characteristic alcohol-related diseases, causes scarring of the liver tissues, which obstructs the flow of blood through the liver and can be found in about 10 percent of all alcoholics.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Brain Damage

Alcohol also has profound effects on the brain and nervous system and can cause the loss of cognitive functions and memory. Alcohol also destroys brain cells and can cause vitamin B deficiencies in the body. Other mental disorders can develop, including aggression, depression and anxiety.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Digestive System Damage

When alcohol is consumed in large amounts, damage can occur in the mouth, stomach and esophagus. Cancer may develop in these organs as well, especially if the alcoholic smokes. Other digestive problems can develop, such as nausea, ulcers, heartburn and gastritis.

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Alcoholism Side Effects: Heart Damage

While drinking in moderation can be good for the heart, anything more can cause severe problems. In some cases, all it takes is one round of binge drinking to cause an irregular heart rhythm, and alcoholics are at risk of higher blood pressure and heart attacks, as well.

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Alcoholism Treatment at The Canyon

At The Canyon, the Healing Life Program provides you with the resources you need to break free from your addiction to alcohol and achieve long lasting abstinence. The traditional and nontraditional treatments provided here on our south Florida estate help you along your journey of healing and recovery, and our well-trained staff and therapists are on hand round the clock to help you throughout their stay. Call us at The Canyon today at for more information.

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