The long-term effects of alcohol can include both physical and psychological problems that can plague the user for life. For this reason, alcoholics should consider seeking out alcohol addiction treatment centers to end their addiction. Treatment centers are instrumental in providing solutions for sustainable recovery.
Alcohol is among the most addictive substances in the world. However, it can take years before the long-term effects of alcohol become noticeable. This is why people will continue drinking until problems start to arise. Let’s take a look below at some of the most common effects of alcohol.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol?
A person who continues to drink excessively for years may experience a wide range of problems such as:
1. Strained Relationships
When alcohol dominates a person’s life, it becomes noticeable to those around them. Consequently, alcoholism causes mistrust, hurt feelings, distance, and ongoing conflicts in almost all relationships. Family, friends, and coworkers are all affected by addiction.
2. Financial Problems
A person who drinks all the time will spend thousands of dollars on alcohol. As the problem gets worse, the financial problems accumulated. An alcoholic may fail to pay their bills/debts, put food on the table, or handle home expenses. Furthermore, Florida drug rehab centers cost money when the drinker decides to stop drinking and get professional help.
3. Employment Problems
At first, a heavy drinker may have problems at home, yet still function at work. Eventually, however, addiction will take its toll at the workplace. A drinker may show up to work late or intoxicated. Their job performance starts to suffer, as they can no longer fulfill their duties. Their boss may have to fire them because they endanger the company.
4. Health and Mental Problems
One of the most common long-term effects of alcoholism is that it wears down a person’s body and mind if they continue drinking for several years. Health problems include digestive issues, cirrhosis of the liver, strokes, heart attacks, and cancer. Alcoholism can also lead to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma.
Treatment for Alcoholism
Heavy drinkers will often hit bottom before they finally decide to get treatment for alcoholism. In many cases, an intervention from friends or family is necessary to start the road to recovery. Treatment for alcoholism includes a period of detox followed by 30, 60, or 90-day rehabilitation. Aftercare programs such as support groups, alumni programs, or sober home living are also available when the person completes rehab.
Alcohol rehab programs in Florida offer detox as the first step toward recovery. During detox, the body cleans out alcohol toxins while reversing its dependency on the substance. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Delirium tremens
- Hallucinations
- Sweating chills
Alcoholics can choose between inpatient and outpatient services depending on their level of addiction. They can learn about the long-term effects of alcohol and how excessive drinking as affected their life. Therapists provide evidence-based and holistic treatment to help the individual overcome their addiction. The goal of treatment is a lifelong recovery with relapse.