subject: Dependency On Alcohol: Health Complications That Alcohol Abusers Endure [print this page] Alcohol abuse is a severe condition that makes a person dependent on alcohol. It is characterized by a strong craving for the substance, a failure to stop the practice, withdrawal symptoms and constant increase in the quantity of alcohol that must be ingested. A person who is dependent on alcohol will continue to ingest the substance despite evident negative effects.
Alcoholism affects a patient in many ways especially his health, relationships, work and personal money situation. According to alcohol rehab center professionals, alcoholics can experience certain health risks.
Liver and Other Organ Problems
Those who have been drinking alcohol for an extended period of time may suffer from cirrhosis, liver inflammation and alcoholic hepatitis. When the client never stops drinking for years, his hepatitis may lead to more damages. Alcoholism can also cause gastritis or the swelling of the stomach lining. This disorder can also disrupt the absorption of B vitamins. Also, it can harm the pancreas of the individual as excessive drinking can cause issues in fat, carbohydrate and protein digestion as well as metabolism regulation.
Cardiovascular Issues
Drinking too much amount of alcohol may result in blood clots which may lead to stroke or heart attack. Cardiomyopathy can also be experienced by heavy drinkers. This disease involves the weakening of the heart muscle which ultimately results in heart failure. Atrial fibrillation can also be developed because of intense drinking. With this condition, there is a chaotic twitch of the upper chamber of the individual's heart.
Hypoclycemia
Many rehabilitation for alcohol experts claim that alcohol disturbs the production of glucose in the liver which raises the risks of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This becomes more dangerous for those who are having diabetes and for people who are using insulin to decrease the level of their blood sugar.
Osteoporosis and Other Health Issues
The development of new bones is impacted by alcohol which may make the bones of an alcoholic thin. This condition may cause fractures. Moreover, men alcoholics may also experience erectile dysfunction while women who drink too much may have menstrual issues. Pregnant women who consume alcohol excessively increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome which causes mental and physiological disabilities to babies. Other effects of alcohol dependency include dementia, mental confusion, numbness, eye muscle paralysis and short-term memory loss.
Learning the health risks of alcohol dependency is important for people to avoid the habit. When you have a loved one who is suffering from alcohol addiction, you should bring him to an alcohol rehab center as early as possible to avoid more health problems.
