The normalization of alcoholism is a strange byproduct of American culture. Alcohol advertisements can be seen everywhere within American entertainment, despite it being the third highest rated cause of preventable death. Drug abusers are shunned throughout America, but the overconsumption of alcohol is often seen as a rite of passage into adulthood.
With the overindulgence of alcohol being embraced by society, it’s not uncommon to see many people become alcoholics. However, this lifestyle choice is one that can lead to an early death. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, you don’t have face this challenge alone. Your friends at Discovery Place are here to support you every step of the way. Call 1-800-725-0922 to get help now!
How Alcoholism Can Kill You
Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to an early grave. Besides alcoholism destroying your relationships, your physical health is put into jeopardy. The illnesses that will severely impact your life include:
- Cancer: Studies have shown that alcoholism has been linked to causing a variety of cancers. Colorectal, laryngeal, esophageal, pancreatic, oral, pharyngeal, breast, and liver cancer are all linked to alcoholism.
- Liver Disease: There are three liver diseases associated with alcoholism. The Fatty Liver stage is one where no serious complications will arise unless you continue to drink. Alcoholic hepatitis, however, involves vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and jaundice. This painful phase can even lead to death, if you continue to drink. The final alcohol-related liver disease is Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a long-term liver disease that appears within ten years inside of alcoholics. Your liver tissue will become replaced with scar tissue, ranking as one of the most common ways alcoholism can kill you.
- Heart Disease: Consuming large amounts of alcohol over a prolonged period of time will lead to significant weight gain. The more obese you become, the higher your blood pressure will rise and put you at risk of heart failure.
Whenever you’re under the influence of alcohol, your judgment is extremely clouded, meaning that you’re more likely to make rash decisions that your sober self would avoid. This could include drunk driving, lashing out at family members, or even inflicting self-harm.
How To Determine If You Have A Drinking Problem
There are key signs to tell if you or a loved has a drinking problem. Examples of these signs include:
- Constantly relying on an alcoholic beverage to relieve stress or simply enjoy yourself;
- Prioritizing the purchase of alcoholic beverages over essential resources;
- Only being able to express yourself under the influence of alcohol; and/or
- Becoming defensive or even angry whenever some suggest you seek treatment.
Treating Your Alcoholism
Dealing with alcoholism can seem impossible but you’re not alone. AtDiscovery Place, a Tennessee alcohol addiction program, you have a team of dedicated professionals to help you. With a variety of programs to guide you on your road to recovery, Discovery Place will support you every step of the way. You can reach the Tennessee alcohol addiction program at 1-800-725-0922.
