In America, 86% of people will drink alcohol during in their lifetime. This can be as simple as trying a beer once or having a lifelong enjoyment of wine.
However, due to the possibility of addiction to alcohol, some people end up suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or as it is commonly called alcoholism.
At Pure Recovery California, we believe it is important to educate people on the facts about AUD. It is important that we give those seeking recovery positivity, compassion, and understanding to help them work towards the goal of a sober life.
Due to the fact that 1 in 8 people suffer from some form AUD, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding it.
We want to help people understand the facts and dispel some of the harmful misconceptions about the disorder.
5 Facts About Alcohol Use Disorder
1. Alcohol Use Disorder Alters the Brain
One of the most shocking effects of alcohol abuse is how it alters the brain.
Now, drinking is known for its impact on the mind, but most of these effects are only temporary. Blacking out, impaired memory and judgment, and increased aggression are all short-term effects of drinking.
However, when someone has spent years drinking heavily due to AUD, their brain becomes irreparably altered. The ability to think abstractly will be completely lost along with diminished brain matter and an inability to properly memorize.
These effects are often irreversible but are treatable.
2. Alcohol’s Impact on the Body
Alcohol doesn’t just have a major impact on the brain, it also damages the body.
The liver, heart, and pancreas all suffer greatly from frequent and excessive drinking. These organs become extremely damaged, leading to even more problems. They will slowly begin to have trouble function and even end up shutting down should the case go on for long enough.
The immune system is also weakened and compromised making it more likely that they will become sick.
Addiction to alcohol is harmful to the mind and body, which is why we focus on healing both when working with someone towards recovery.
3. AUD is Partially Genetic
There are a number of factors that can cause someone to suffer from AUD, but one of the most powerful is their genetics. Recent studies by scientists have found that certain genes are linked to being more likely to have the disorder.
This is why you have families with a history of it going back generations. This doesn’t mean that you are doomed to developing a drinking addiction, however.
We all choose our own fate and knowing that you could have the gene is enough info to help make an informed decision. If someone is suffering from AUD, recovery is possible, making the choice to get better is always an option. Your genes aren’t your destiny.
4. Alcohol Addiction Increases the Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease
Alcohol, especially when consumed frequently in mass quantities, will increase an individual’s risk of heart disease and cancer.
The combination of high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and the strain constant drinking put on one’s heart all dramatical increases the chances of developing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke.
Excessive and constant years of drinking also increases the risk of cancer to astonishing levels. The most common types of cancers are liver, breast, and neck in people with AUD.
It’s well known that most alcohol is bad for the body, but if it is heavily consumed for years, it all adds up. Luckily, once on the path to recovery, both these risks begin to lower.
5. Alcohol Withdrawal is Dangerous
Withdrawing from anything has the potential to be a dangerous process, but alcohol withdrawal is especially harmful. The “best” way to tell how a person’s withdrawal is going to be is by learning how much a person has been drinking and for how long.
Someone that has had an alcohol use disorder for 6 months will have a much more mild withdrawal than someone who has been drinking for 6 years. When someone goes through the detox process they will suffer from nausea, vomiting, headaches, and anxiety.
After 12 hours, more severe symptoms set in such as seizures and hallucinations. The process is a long and difficult one, which is why we are there every step of the way.
It’s easy to feel alone going through this difficult experience, but when you are with us you will never go it alone.
When someone suffers from Alcohol Use Disorder, it is very likely that their genetics are playing a part in it. Constant heavy drinking will drastically impact someone’s body and mind along with increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
The withdrawal is a tough process, but that’s why we are here. Recovery is achievable. We are a shoulder to lean for everyone we help and their families. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction don’t wait, call us today!
At Pure Recovery California, we treat everyone who comes through our doors with compassion and understanding. Under our care, we will work tirelessly to ensure that someone not only recovers but can thrive once they leave.
Our staff does everything in their power to help give everyone the best chance at life they can and never fails to go the extra mile.
On the path to recovery, we use a scientific method of mixing exercise and evidence-based therapy to help the body and mind.
Recovery is completely possible, no matter how hopeless it seems. Let’s get your life back on track together.
