The use of alcohol has the potential to drastically shorten one’s lifespan, especially when used on a regular basis. For those suffering from an addiction to alcohol, there can be a number of ways in which it can impact their life, including quality and longevity. While such a morbid topic is undoubtedly difficult to consider, being aware of the potential ramifications of an addiction to alcohol may be necessary to take the first step towards recovery and having a healthy, sober life ahead.
Mentality of Drinking
There are many claims stating that red wine is supposedly good for one’s heart. The use of alcohol in moderation may not necessarily carry the same risks as more frequent, heavy drinking. However, it is still important to be wary of the kind of mindset that such claims can instill within an individual.
Seeing alcohol solely as a health benefit can quickly lead to several dangerous assumptions about its use. It can also contribute to the negligence of keeping track of the dangers that can develop from frequent or heavy use of alcoholic substances. The idea that alcohol is completely safe in moderation is not entirely true. Not only will each individual react to the use of alcohol in their own unique ways, but there will always be a variety of dangers associated with drinking that can impact one’s lifespan negatively, as well.
Alcohol and Disease
Addiction is a disease that can increase the chances of developing additional diseases that continue to impact one’s lifespan. Frequent use of alcohol can lead to the development of heart disease or cancer. Additionally, it can compromise the immune system, making those who suffer from an addiction to alcohol more susceptible to further illnesses throughout their lives.
However, there is also a greatly increased risk of liver disease and liver damage. Alcohol is a toxin that continues to push one’s liver to the brink of destruction with each drink.
While the liver has an incredible ability to heal itself from damage over time, those suffering from addiction may be drinking too frequently or heavily to give the liver the break it needs to recover, leading to a number of prolonged or permanent damages. Pancreatic damage is also possible, which can lead to several persistent digestive issues, as well as pancreatitis, increasing the chance of developing diabetes as a result.
These diseases and damages also are not exclusive to each other, meaning that it is possible to develop multiple diseases or damage multiple parts of one’s body and mind through chronic drinking. The buildup of health ramifications after prolonged and heavy use of alcohol can greatly impact one’s path to recovery, as well as create lasting impacts on an individual that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
Increase in Risky Behavior
There are many other ways in which alcohol can drastically impact an individual’s lifespan outside of the increased chance of disease. The persistent use of alcohol can lead to an increase in risk-taking behavior, and an individual may put themselves in various life-threatening situations that they may have otherwise avoided.
While under the influence of alcohol, one’s motor skills and decision-making functions are both inhibited, leading to an inability to make rational decisions for one’s own safety, as well as complicating the ability to accomplish simple tasks. Engaging in exponentially riskier behavior can lead to complicated health issues, and may further compromise one’s ability to live a full and healthy life.
An especially pertinent example of this is when an individual drives under the influence. Such a dangerous act not only puts others in danger, but also can drastically increase one’s own chances of having potentially fatal accidents. Those suffering from addiction may believe themselves capable of functioning. However, impaired decision-making and motor skills make these accidents all too common. These kinds of behaviors can be disastrous, but can also be avoided if provided with the right care to begin working through addiction.
Living with Mental Health Disorders
Addiction can also lead to the development of certain mental health disorders, none of which can be ignored when discussing an individual’s life with addiction. Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders can all complicate one’s daily routines and have their own repercussions on one’s life if unaddressed. These disorders can lead to some risky behaviors on their own, in an attempt to quell one’s turbulent emotional state, but they can also continue to develop into even more disastrous situations.
Those suffering from mental health disorders brought about by addiction can increasingly feel out of control of their own lives, even leading to thoughts of suicide in dire circumstances. Addressing the mental health side of addiction is just as important as tackling one’s use of alcohol itself, and both are necessary to help an individual recover from their journey with addiction towards a sober and healthy life.
An addiction to alcohol can impact every aspect of a person’s life — from the way they conduct their daily routines, prioritize their interests, to their lifespan itself. If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to alcohol and are ready to take the first step towards a healthier, sober future, Chateau Recovery can help you today. We offer an array of therapeutic techniques that can be personalized to fit your unique needs and goals throughout recovery, from meditation, mindfulness, individual and group therapy, and even nutrition counseling and case management. Acknowledging the need for change is the first step towards creating a new lifestyle, and away from risky behaviors of the past. For more information on how we can help you take the first step towards your transformed future, or to speak to a caring, trained staff member about your unique situation, call us today at (435) 222-5225.