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America is undoubtedly an alcohol-saturated society. Alcoholic beverages are a ubiquitous presence at social gatherings, the main attraction at sporting events, and a powerful engine of profit for the advertising industry. Although billboards and television commercials continue to glamorize and even sexualize alcohol’s universal appeal, the truth remains that it is a potent neurotoxin capable of destroying the body and irreparably damaging the brain. According to a 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study, no amount of alcohol is deemed safe for human consumption, and outdated myths concerning its beneficial effects when taken in mild to moderate doses have been exposed. The following article will explore the terrible truth about alcohol’s corrosive, neurotoxic effects on the human body.
Beyond the crippling socioeconomic burden it produces annually, alcohol abuse is responsible for a number of terminal diseases and debilitating mental health problems—all of which significantly lower the quality of life for those affected. It is also a major cause of tragic death nationally and globally. For example, consider the following:
The human brain and central nervous system (CNS) are delicate and unable to handle the long-term effects associated with alcohol abuse. Even in people genetically predisposed to greater tolerance, or those who have developed tolerance through repeated exposure, alcohol’s destructive effect on cognitive function is legendary. This destruction is clearly visible through the numerous mood disorders and neurological diseases linked to alcohol abuse. For example, extensive alcohol abuse has been implicated in the following:
Of the over 200 diseases and neurological conditions that alcoholism produces, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS)—or “wet brain,” is arguably the most devastating. This progressive neurological disease is the result of damage to multiple brain regions. Wet brain causes major cognitive decline, severe nutrient deficiencies, and frequently renders lifelong alcoholics incapable of autonomous functioning. In many cases, the extent of neurological damage is so extreme that it is considered irreversible by medical professionals, although it can be successfully managed in its early stages. In order to put alcohol’s toxic effect on cognition into proper perspective, consider the following indicators measured by blood alcohol content (BAC) levels:
Although the human body is remarkably resilient by nature–particularly in youth—the damaging effects of alcohol abuse progress with age and invariably worsen. Alcohol’s volatile and unpredictable impact on physical function is multifactorial and long-lasting. The following physical diseases, some of which are incurable, all stem from accumulated alcohol toxicity:
Beyond these potentially fatal diseases linked to alcohol toxicity are dozens of other related physical problems caused or exacerbated by alcohol abuse. They include:
Properly treating and healing the damage created by alcoholism is a long journey that unfolds in stages. The very first stage is detox, a short-term process designed to help the body expel the toxic effects of alcohol from the system and stabilize physical and psychological processes. Initial alcohol detox lasts for approximately one week , with early withdrawal symptoms appearing in as little as two hours following the last drink and reaching peak intensity within three days. Although all cases of alcoholism require professional medical management, extreme cases may require hospitalization. During hospitalization, clients receive intensive care including round-the-clock monitoring of blood pressure and vital signs, intravenous (IV) injections of special medications, and a host of other life-saving precautions.
Once a client is successfully discharged from initial detox and ready to transition to the next level of treatment, residential—or inpatient treatment—represents the industry preferred level of care. This popular treatment option usually lasts for 30-90 days and requires clients to live at a designated residential facility. During their stay, clients receive a combination of medical management and clinical supervision that includes evidence-based medications and individual and/or group psychotherapy. Reputable inpatient facilities may also feature ancillary benefits and services such as:
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a critical component of inpatient services that involves the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacological interventions in tandem with psychotherapy. The following evidence-based therapies are frequently included in the scope of MAT treatment depending upon individual client needs:
Throughout the course of MAT, supplementary medications may be prescribed to help treat co-occurring mental health disorders. These disorders—including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD)—help fuel or exacerbate addiction. Many clients enjoy relief from the debilitating effects of these disorders in addition to a primary medication regimen that includes:
Alcoholism is an extremely serious, life-threatening disease that requires professional medical treatment and behavioral management. If you (or a loved one) are struggling with alcoholism and in need of treatment, call a substance abuse professional today. Early intervention is critical to successful long-term treatment outcomes. Never resort to self-guided treatment or at-home detox, as both can lead to serious complications and potentially fatal consequences.
And remember, alcoholism knows no personal, social, political, religious or economic boundaries. Anyone, at any time, can find themselves progressing from recreational alcohol abuse to full-blown addiction and in need of professional help.
For more about alcoholism and recovery, check out these related articles:
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
