Alcohol addiction creates many changes in the body and the brain. There is no safe level of alcohol use, but chronic use can cause a number of long-term effects. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, reach out to an alcohol addiction treatment center near you. Our team at TruHealing Gaithersburg can offer help and guidance.
What Changes Does Alcohol Addiction Cause?
Alcohol use and abuse impact people differently. Some people may see a rapid progression to addiction and dependence, while others may not see any change for a long time. Yet, there are numerous risks when alcohol abuse occurs. Some of them include:
- Cognitive function and brain damage – There’s evidence suggesting that when a person engages in alcohol abuse over a long period of time, they may suffer from diminished gray matter and white matter in the brain. This can impact decision-making, thinking processes, and memory.
- Liver fibrosis – Long-term use of alcohol can damage the liver. This can lead to cirrhosis of the liver as well, a condition in which the liver is damaged so much so it cannot work to properly filter the blood.
- Heart damage – Alcoholism can lead to cardiomyopathy in many. This heart failure leads to the reduced pumping strength of the heart, leading to permanent damage and potentially early death. It can also cause irregular heartbeats and damage to the ventricles.
- Cancer risks – There is an increased risk of cancer, including throat, breast, liver, esophageal, and larynx cancers. These are often not detected until more advanced stages.
- Stroke – People who consume alcohol on a consistent basis may be more likely to suffer a stroke which can damage cognitive function or be life-threatening.
The effects of alcohol range from mild to severe. Yet, for many people, they can be avoided if treatment is obtained early on.
Other Issues Stemming from Alcohol Addiction
While it is clear the long-term effects of alcohol abuse are physically damaging, it also causes other complications. That may include damaged relationships, loss of quality of life, and a loss of sense of pleasure. It can bring on intense symptoms of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Some people may also suffer from poor hygiene, limited life skills, and an inability to maintain employment. These far-reaching complications are very real to many people with addiction.
How Can Alcohol Addiction Treatment Help?
It’s impossible to know what could happen to you. However, the sooner you stop using alcohol, the less likely you are to experience any of these complications. Some damage may be permanent, especially for long-term use of alcohol. However, alcohol addiction treatment typically improves a person’s outcome.
This is done through a series of therapy programs. At TruHealing Gaithersburg, it begins with treatment such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Trauma therapy program
- EDMR therapy program
- Group therapy programs
In this type of setting, working one-on-one with your therapist, you can learn how to stop using alcohol and how to see an improvement to your overall health. Working alongside your doctor to ensure any existing physical concerns are taken care of, our therapists support you as you overcome your addiction and start to heal your body and brain. Many people can see a reduction in the long-term effects of addiction if they get help as soon as possible.
Stop the Risk – Call TruHealing Gaithersburg Today
Alcohol addiction can be devastating, but it is also treatable. The sooner you get help, the fewer the effects of alcohol could be. Our team at TruHealing Gaithersburg can offer help. To learn more, give us a call at (833) 625-0398 or connect with us online now.