The Physical and Mental Health Consequences of Chronic Alcohol Use   

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The Physical and Mental Health Consequences of Chronic Alcohol Use  

Most people understand that there will be significant physical consequences if they abuse alcohol. Some studies show that even moderate alcohol use can be damaging to the human body, but as you start getting into problem drinker territory, these effects worsen. However, what many don’t realize is how much your mental health can suffer if you are on the path toward alcoholism. 

You can seek out Tricare-approved alcohol rehab if you think you are in danger of getting to this point. You might be galvanized into taking action if you hear about how drinking too much can impact your physical and mental health, so we will talk about that right now.   

The Physical Consequences of Alcoholism  

If you chronically abuse alcohol for a long period of time, you cause liver damage. Liver cancer is possible, as is the condition doctors call fatty liver. You can develop stomach ulcers. Your risk of stroke is much higher if you drink too much alcohol regularly.  

You also have a significant chance of developing dementia as you get older. You can develop breast cancer. Osteoporosis also becomes more likely.    

The Mental Consequences  

As for the mental health consequences of drinking too much, there is a definitive link between depression and alcoholism. Those who experience this often get locked into a vicious cycle. They feel depressed, so they turn to alcohol. They drink too much, and that makes them feel more depressed.  

If you drink too much, that is also likely to cause stress in your relationships with your friends and loved ones. That, in turn, will make you feel anxious and socially isolated.  

You also do not sleep as well if you drink too much. If you consume excessive alcohol amounts, you might eventually pass out, but it’s not what you could call healthy, restful sleep. As a result, you essentially sleepwalk through your life like a zombie.   

The lack of healthy sleep slows your reaction time and makes you irritable. You can also experience mood swings that might further deteriorate your closest relationships.  

 How to Turn Your Life Around if Alcohol is Impacting Your Health  

You can probably recognize the signs if alcohol is becoming an issue for you. There’s nothing that says you need to submit to this temptation, though. Even if there is alcoholism in your family, you can get yourself into a treatment program and fight back against this proclivity.  

There is no shame in asking those close to you for help. If you do so, it lets them know that you still care about them and that you want to make a change for the better. They should support you if they love you and want what’s best for you.  

Asking for help and exploring treatment options isn’t easy, but it’s always possible, no matter how bleak you feel. If you start looking into doctors and treatment centers, you’re taking the first steps on your road toward recovery. You can forge a better life for yourself if you’re determined.