Alcoholism: Health Issues That Alcoholics Experience
Alcoholism is a chronic disorder that makes an individual dependent on alcohol. It is characterized by a strong craving for the substance, a failure to stop the habit, withdrawal symptoms and constant increase in the quantity of alcohol that must be used. 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 finances. According to alcohol rehab center professionals, alcoholics can experience certain health risks.
Effects of Alcohol to Body Organs
Those who have been drinking alcohol for a prolonged period of time may experience cirrhosis, liver inflammation and alcoholic hepatitis. When the client never stops drinking for years, his hepatitis may lead to more damages. Alcohol dependency can also cause gastritis or the inflammation of the stomach lining. This disorder can also disrupt the absorption of B vitamins. Also, it can damage the pancreas of the individual as excessive drinking can cause problems in fat, carbohydrate and protein digestion as well as metabolism regulation.
Drinking an excessive amount amount of alcohol may cause blood clots which may lead to stroke or cardiac arrest. Cardiomyopathy can also be experienced by heavy drinkers. This condition 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 alcohol rehabilitation 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 harmful for those who are having diabetes and for people who are using insulin to lower the level of their blood sugar.
Osteoporosis and Other Health Issues
The growth 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 excessively 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.
Understanding the health risks of alcohol dependency is important for people to avoid the habit. When you have a loved one who is experiencing alcohol dependency, you should bring him to an alcohol rehab facility as early as possible to avoid more health issues.
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