Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction, is one of the greatest Public Health threats that America currently faces. According to a study recently published by The Washington Post, as many as one out of every eight American adults meets the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder, also known as chronic alcoholism. When it comes to chronic alcoholism, the associated issues are diverse and far-reaching. Some chronic alcoholics die of eventual alcohol poisoning, some fall victim to alcohol-related disease, and still, others pass away far before their time as the result of alcohol-related accidents. Some of the physical ailments that are often attributed to long-term alcohol abuse include liver cirrhosis, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, stroke, cardiovascular disease, chronic hypertension, cancer, pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes.
What Are the Signs of Chronic Alcoholism
There are many signs and symptoms associated with chronic alcoholism. When it comes to alcoholism itself, there are several stages. The first stage is considered the early stage, and associated symptoms are typically less severe. Once the concerned individual moves into the chronic stage of alcoholism, the physical and psychological repercussions become much more intense, and many of the health-related issues become permanent. The final stage of alcoholism is known as the end stage, and during this stage, the individual will experience life-threatening medical issues. Some of the more common signs and symptoms associated with the chronic stage of alcoholism include:
- Liver disease. Because alcohol is metabolized in the liver, this vital organ is at high risk of damage. there is a disease known as alcoholic liver disease, which is heavily dependent on the amount of alcohol abused regularly and the duration of the alcohol abuse. Chronic alcoholism poses a serious threat to the health of the liver.
- Cancer. Individuals who chronically abuse alcohol have an increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, including cancers of the stomach, liver, breast, esophagus, mouth, and larynx. Drinking excessively also increases the risk of smoking tobacco. Individuals who smoke tobacco regularly and chronically drink have a much higher risk of cancer.
- Pancreatitis. This medical condition is characterized by an inflammation of the pancreas, one that is caused by chronic exposure to one of the chemical substances present in alcohol (acetaldehyde). It was recently estimated that somewhere around 70% of all pancreatitis patients drink large amounts of alcohol regularly.
- A weakened immune system. It is common knowledge that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol works to weaken the immune system. Those who drink alcohol regularly are more likely to suffer from illnesses like tuberculosis and pneumonia, because their bodies are less likely to ward off infection.
- Alcohol-related accidents and injuries. Most car crashes are directly linked to alcohol consumption. Alcohol is also linked to other accidents, including accidental drowning, occupational injuries, accidents that occurred during bouts of domestic violence, and both suicide and homicide.
Many other health-related issues go hand in hand with chronic alcoholism, including osteoporosis, malnourishment, vitamin deficiencies, and severe and lasting brain damage. If you are someone you know needs help to quit, reach out to Evoke Wellness today. Once you’re at the stage of chronic alcoholism, it can have a heavy and negative effect on your health, especially liver function, along with your family life and relationships.
Is Chronic Alcoholism Treatable?
If you have been struggling with chronic alcoholism, or you believe that someone you know and love has been suffering at the hands of an alcohol abuse disorder, there is help available. At Evoke Wellness, we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages who have been battling alcoholism. It is entirely possible to nip this disease in the bud and prevent alcohol abuse from developing into chronic alcoholism if all signs and symptoms are treated immediately and effectively. Give our treatment center a visit or call to learn more about effective alcohol treatment options today.
Evoke Wellness and Chronic Alcoholism
Evoke Wellness is dedicated to helping men and women of all ages and walks of life overcome alcohol abuse and dependency once and for all. For more information on our comprehensive program of alcoholism recovery, feel free to reach out to us at any point in time to learn more on how we can help you or a loved one overcome chronic alcoholism once and for all.
