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Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcoholism

We all know the short-term effects of alcohol abuse. Have just a drink or two and you'll feel relaxed mentally and physically. Have a few more and your inhibitions will begin to melt away, along with your ability to speak without slurring and see anything without a faint blur around the edges. Drink even more, and your judgment falters, your reaction time slows and you may experience blackouts in memory and even loss of consciousness.

As serious as these short-term effects are, the long-term effects of alcoholism can be far more devastating. Alcohol is a toxin, and the build-up of toxins in the body over time contributes to the destruction of entire body systems, individual organs and the development of disease. At Orchid Recovery Center, we want to help you with an effective alcohol rehab before it's too late.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcoholism: Central Nervous System

The central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord and alcohol wreaks havoc on this system. Over time, you may find that your senses are impaired even when you're not under the influence of the drug including dulled smell and taste and decreased perception of pain. Your motor skills may be impaired as will your judgment, much like it is during the short-term when you're under the influence. You may experience early onset dementia or develop Wernicke's Syndrome or psychosis related to your long-term drinking. In fact, if you keep drinking long enough, you may begin to look, act and feel like you're drunk all the time, even when you're not drinking.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcoholism: Circulatory System

It's well known that long-term indulgence in alcohol can lead to heart disease, but it can also damage the heart muscle itself. You may experience irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure and you will also be at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcoholism: Organs

The liver, of course, is one of the organs most adversely affected by overindulgence in alcohol since it is directly responsible for processing everything that you put into your mouth. Alcoholism can lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver, edema (or fluid buildup in the liver), liver failure, and hemorrhage. The pancreas, too, may become painful and inflamed. The intestines, also, are affected by alcoholism and you may develop ulcers or colon cancer.

Long-Term Physical Effects of Alcoholism: Reproductive System

Both men and women can be adversely affected reproductively when they are alcoholics. Both will find that their fertility is reduced and their sexual performance is affected both while under the influence and over time. Men may become impotent, their sperm count will decrease and sperm motility will become slower. Women have an increased risk of breast cancer, an increased risk of early menopause and irregular menses. If you are trying to get pregnant, alcohol may stop a fertilized egg from implanting and too much drinking in early pregnancy can lead to a miscarriage.

Alcohol Rehab at Orchid Recovery Center

At Orchid Recovery Center, we are dedicated to helping women break the grip of alcoholism before it has time to impact their futures and their bodies in a lasting way. Contact us today if you would like more information about our alcohol rehab for women at Orchid Recovery Center.

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