Excessive use of alcohol has numerous negative effects on an individual’s physical and psychological health. Alcohol addiction is one of the most common and destructive preventable diseases in the world. As the effects of drinking mount and health deteriorates, individuals are likely to feel stress, anxiety and hopelessness. When individuals know that their drinking is destroying their body, their mind and their relationships and yet still can’t stop, they may become despondent or even suicidal.
Alcohol and Liver Damage
The primary job of the liver is to filter toxins out of the blood. Alcohol is one of these toxins, and years of heavy drinking can cause cirrhosis, hepatitis and cancer. While the liver can heal itself if given the chance, people lose that ability as they age. The following are common physical symptoms of alcoholic liver disease:
- Pain in the stomach or abdomen
- Frequent thirst and dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs
- Uncontrollable weight loss
- Discoloration of skin (jaundice)
- Spider veins
- Bloody vomit or stools
- Nosebleeds
In addition to these physical symptoms, liver disease affects blood chemistry and corresponding emotional functions. The following psychological symptoms can be caused by alcohol-related liver disease:
- Irritability
- Emotional volatility
- Confusion
- Impaired memory
- Inability to focus or pay attention
- Lack of judgment
The onset of these emotional and physical symptoms can cause increasing anxiety and depression as the consequences of alcoholism rise and the drinker is still unable to quit.
Restoring Physical and Emotional Health to Alcoholics
Once a person has become addicted to alcohol, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the individual to quit drinking on his or her own. When repeated attempts end in failure, feelings of futility and desperation increase. The vast majority of alcoholics need specialized treatment in order to conquer this disease. The most successful alcohol addiction recovery programs treat their clients holistically, addressing all aspects of their physical and mental health in a fully comprehensive and integrated way through customized plans that include many of the following therapeutic tools:
- Various styles of individual counseling
- Support group meetings
- Medically supervised detox
- Development of new coping techniques
- Relaxation
- Nutritional support
- Empowering education
Alcoholism is a complicated disease, and conquering it requires discipline and help. You may not be able to recover on your own. Fortunately, you are not alone.
Immediate Help Is a Phone Call Away
Our toll-free helpline is open 24 hours a day, and our counselors are ready to confidentially answer any questions you have about liver disease, alcoholism and recovery. We can even help you find the best treatment plan for your particular needs and concerns and can confirm insurance coverage for you. Don’t surrender one more day to the physical and emotional destruction of alcoholism. Call now.
