Effects of Long-Term Alcoholism in San Antonio (877) 804-1531

Alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease in which individuals have difficulty controlling alcohol consumption and become physically dependent on it. Those who suffer from the effects of long-term alcoholism in San Antonio will continue to drink even when it causes problems (e.g. lost employment, family strife, etc.). With careful oversight, the effects of alcoholism can be overcome, but medical detox is usually necessary as well as inpatient or outpatient counseling to deal with the behavioral aspects of addiction.

Call today at (877) 804-1531 to find out more about available Alcohol Treatment Centers in San Antonio.

The Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Experts in substance abuse and those who deal with the effects of alcoholism on a daily basis draw a distinction between abuse and alcoholism. Alcohol abusers are able to set limits on their drinking, even if their use is self-destructive and dangerous. Those who are suffering from the effects of long-term alcoholism in San Antonio have absolutely no control over their drinking as they are physically dependent on alcohol. Without it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse is characterized by neglecting responsibilities, using alcohol when it is physically dangerous to do so (e.g. driving), drinking even though it is causing problems (e.g. at work, at home, etc.), and drinking as a way to "relax." Not all alcohol abusers, however, become alcoholics. Alcoholics are unable to control their drinking and display a different set of signs and symptoms. For instance, alcoholics cannot quit drinking when they want to, give up other activities in order to drink, put a great deal of energy into getting and consuming alcohol, and suffer withdrawal symptoms when they do attempt to stop drinking. The first warning sign that alcohol abuse is turning into alcoholism is an increasing tolerance to the effects of ethanol.

Health Effects of Alcoholism

The long-term effects of alcoholism can manifest in both physically and behaviorally. Damage to major organs like the liver and pancreas are common long-term effects of alcoholism. Damage to the pancreas is often evident as intense abdominal pain and chronic nausea and vomiting. Liver damage can result in mental confusion, burst blood vessels (e.g. in the throat, skin, rectum), red spots on the skin, and much more.

Most people are not aware that the effects of long-term alcoholism in San Antonio include heart damage and even cancer. Prolonged alcohol use can cause the heart to dilate (enlarge) and the muscular walls of the organ to thin. Such changes make it difficult for the heart to pump blood and can lead to heart failure or even heart attack. Esophageal (throat) cancer is the most commonly associated with alcoholism, but liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney tumors are also common.

Social Effects of Alcoholism

Cirrhosis actually only occurs in about one-third of alcoholics even though some type of liver damage affects all chronic drinkers. The most common long-term effects of alcoholism take their toll on social and family relationships. Alcohol dependence takes priority in the lives of alcoholics to the exclusion of everything else. Marriages suffer and crumble, careers are irreparably damaged, friends stop visiting, and children become estranged. The most damaging effects of alcohol abuse are on the people that alcoholics hold most dear.

As if the long-term effects of alcoholism on relationships were not enough, the disease also exacts penalties on finances. Alcohol is costly, but the biggest problems are from lost wages due to missed work, job loss, and divorce. All of these things can lead to financial ruin and homelessness.

The Dangers of Home Alcohol Detox

Many people try to dump their alcohol addiction cold turkey and many of these people try to do it at home. Abruptly stopping alcohol consumption can be life-threatening. Alcohol dependence affects the nervous system and blunts its ability to react to stimuli, so the nervous system responds by becoming more sensitive. When alcohol is suddenly stopped, the nervous system becomes hyperreactive for a period of time until it can readjust to the absence of alcohol and lower its sensitivity. During this period of hyperreactivity, patients can suffer hallucinations, dangerously high blood pressure, seizures, and even stroke. Medical alcohol detox is an absolute necessity. Withdrawal symptoms can even require intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, so alcohol detox should always be carried out in a facility that can handle the medical effects of withdrawal. Call today at (877) 804-1531 for help finding the right facility.