Effects of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

While alcoholism and alcohol abuse causes harm to both people who drink and to their families, the reach of alcoholism is not limited to just those areas. The effects of alcoholism extend well into the public sector, and effect the economy, welfare and health providers as well. Just in the United States, alcoholism costs the American taxpayers nearly $98 billion because of the healthcare involved in treating this dreadful disease, and there are around $40 billion that are lost every year related to workplaces costs associated with workers who are addicted to or abusing alcohol.

At Orchid Recovery Center, we provide women with the resources that they need to successfully recover from their alcohol abuse or alcoholism and live lives that are free from addiction.

Effects of Alcoholism: Short-Term Physical Effects

Alcohol has both short-term and long-term effects on your body, depending on how much you consume each day. Some of the short-term effects that can happen soon after drinking include a loss of inhibitions, blurry vision, trouble speaking, loss of muscle control and coordination and the possibility of coma or death.

Effects of Alcoholism: Long-Term Physical Effects

In addition to its potentially toxic short-term physical effects, alcohol also has long-term effects that are equally dangerous. Liver damage is common in women who have been addicted to or abusing alcohol for a long period of time. You can also contract other diseases and disorders, such as ulcers, inflammation of the pancreas and gastritis, all from drinking too much. For women who are pregnant or nursing, alcohol can cause problems in the child, ranging from mental retardation and development problems to even miscarriage and death. There are also long-term psychological problems due to brain damage done by drinking, including impairments in thinking and judgment and changes to mood and behavioral patterns.

Effects of Alcoholism: Social Effects

Alcohol addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it has far-reaching consequences for society at large, too. People who are addicted to alcohol perform poorly at jobs and at school, leading to decreased overall productivity and efficiency. There are also increases for society in terms of healthcare costs for addicts, and alcohol is often the focal point for domestic disturbances, violent crimes and crimes in general.

Effects of Alcoholism: Death

Unfortunately, in addition to the damage that alcohol does to the bodies of its users, the damage doesn’t stop there. Prolonged use of alcohol can lead to death, either directly from alcohol, or due to diseases or conditions brought about by its prolonged use. Liver, heart, brain and pancreatic diseases and disorders can all be caused by alcoholism, and emotional problems stemming from abuse can lead to suicides or overdoses. Additionally, many women who drink don’t think before they get into a car, or they think that they are still capable of driving. This leads to accidents that can harm or kill not only them, but other innocent passengers, drivers or passersby as well.

Alcohol Rehab at Orchid Recovery Center

If you are a woman looking for help to break your alcohol addiction or drug addiction, then you’ve come to the right place. The Orchid Recovery Center provides women of all ages with the help and tools that they need to make a complete and long lasting recovery from their alcohol addiction, as well as any other addictions that may be plaguing their lives.

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