Everyday individuals who indulge in a glass of wine or a beer now and then like to cite the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. There is a big difference, however, between moderate alcohol consumption and very heavy drinking. Studies show that long-term excessive drinking, and even binge-drinking, can have seriously detrimental effects on the functioning of your immune system, and the results are not only devastating, but they can be fatal.
Immunoglobulins that don’t work correctly, lymphocytes that function poorly, and neutrophils and monocytes that don’t operate as intended can all come together and result in immunodeficiency. The effects alcohol can have on the immune system can alter its functioning and lead to seriously devastating results.
Liver Health
The liver is the organ most known to be damaged as a result of alcohol abuse. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the body attacking its own tissues and has the potential to be a fatal outcome. Chronic liver disease, or cirrhosis, is cited as a leading cause in death across the United States. In 2012, it was ranked #12. If poor liver health doesn’t lead to fatality, there is a high likelihood that it leads to hepatitis.
Pneumonia & Tuberculosis
Many people don’t know that alcohol has an adverse impact on lung health. Contracting pneumonia is a side effect of alcohol’s damaging effects on the immune system. Studies show that those who are very heavy drinkers have an increased risk of acquiring pneumonia, as much as 83% more than those who are moderate drinkers. Pneumonia has the ability to lead to septicemia, which is an infection that circulates through the bloodstream.
Tuberculosis is a bacterium that also is detrimental to lung health. In studies, those that consume alcohol on a regular or heavy basis have a higher chance of contracting tuberculosis. Additionally, the number of cases of severe tuberculosis in alcohol drinkers is also higher.
Help for Alcohol-Addiction
Alcohol addiction is a common disease that ravages the lives and bodies of so many across this country. It has immense negative health outcomes physically as well as psychologically. Like any disease, alcohol addiction requires treatment to overcome. If you have a problem with alcohol, take the first step and get the help you need to give yourself a chance at living your best life.
The medical detox center program alternative at Discovery Place can help those suffering from alcohol addiction. Our alternative treatment center is located in the beautiful countryside of Tennessee and offers a soothing and serene setting for you to obtain the assistance you need to fight your addiction.
We will help you through each step while you are with us in our Tennessee-based residential treatment alternative program. You will have your own recovery guide and you will learn new coping skills, as well as how to use them. They will be a tool in your arsenal to keep you sober. You can get your health back. We are here to help. Call us anytime at 1-800-725-0922 to learn more about our alternative programs.
