It’s no secret alcohol leads to a long list of health problems. Often, the biggest risk is alcohol addiction. However, there are many diseases alcohol causes that are life threatening. Take a closer look at three alcohol related diseases, their health risks, and methods for fighting addiction.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
The most common disease alcoholism causes is cirrhosis of the liver. There’s no doubt that excessive consumption profoundly affects the liver. Alcohol is a toxin, and the liver can’t handle the sheer amount of chemicals chronic drinking creates.
Additionally, cirrhosis of the liver involves the loss of liver cells as well as scarring. This leads to fatigue, weakness, easy bruising, and yellow skin. Often, the only effective method for combating severe cirrhosis is with a liver transplant. Ultimately, this is why it’s so important to break free from alcohol abuse before it causes serious, potentially lifelong damage.
Alcohol-Related Epilepsy
Occasional alcohol consumption normally doesn’t cause seizures or epilepsy. However, an alcohol addiction may lead to both.
Furthermore, binge drinking, or excessive alcohol consumption, forces the brain and the body to cope with a staggering amount of toxins in a short period of time. Once you stop drinking, the brain must quickly adapt to excess chemicals. The cycle of flooding your system with these toxins, then withdrawing, could be responsible for epilepsy development.
Many people have mild cases of epilepsy they can control with medication. Drinking alcohol, however, may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. This may lead to breakthrough seizures that are easily preventable by remaining sober.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas over extended periods of time. Although gallstones may cause chronic pancreatitis, the majority of cases link to excessive alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, many people with this condition experience severe weight loss and malnutrition as well.
Other symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include abdominal pain that gets worse when eating, drinking or moving. It also leads to type 1 diabetes, which causes an increase in thirst, fatigue, and frequent urination.
Fighting Back Against Alcohol Related Diseases and Addiction
If you want to avoid alcohol related diseases, it’s crucial to end your alcohol dependence as soon as possible. At 1st Step Behavioral Health, you’re able to healthily work toward lifelong sobriety. Above all, a comprehensive recovery approach uses a variety of treatment methods and therapies including:
- Talk therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies like yoga and acupuncture
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Relapse prevention techniques and training
Overall, alcohol causes various health problems. Constantly worrying about these risks is exhausting. Fortunately, at 1st Step Behavioral Health in Pompano Beach, Florida, you’ll have access to necessary addiction treatment tools and resources to permanently end your addiction. Begin your personal journey to better health by calling (855) 425-4846.
