Women can start to have alcohol-related issues sooner and at lower drinking amounts than men.1 Alcohol addiction can affect your brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system. Our alcohol treatment for women can help. If you would like to learn more about our women-centric approach to treatment, contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® at 828.518.6941 today.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
The effects of alcohol addiction on the brain are both immediate and long-term. Some of the most common side effects of drinking include:
- Impaired memory
- Slowed reaction times
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty walking
Some of the immediate effects of alcohol are visible after only two drinks. However, drinking large amounts of alcohol for long periods can also alter brain function. Since the brain is at the heart of the central nervous system and bodily function, impaired cognition can have a domino effect that damages other systems and organs in the body.
The brain is also where alcohol addiction and dependency start. A pattern of drinking will condition the brain to become dependent on alcohol to function. As a result, you have cravings or withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Eventually, the only way to stop is to enter an alcohol addiction rehab center.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Liver
The liver is the organ responsible for breaking down alcohol into waste that exits the body. Alcohol addiction can lead to a variety of health problems and liver inflammation. Conditions such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, alcohol hepatitis, and fatty liver can arise, causing liver damage and impaired function. While these problems are bad enough on the liver, they also affect the brain, heart, pancreas, kidney, and digestive system.
For instance, liver cirrhosis can damage the brain, causing hepatic encephalopathy, a potentially fatal brain disorder. This condition can alter your personality, mood, appetite, and sleep patterns. You may also suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Keep in mind that these problems stem from liver damage, not necessarily damage directly to the brain. So, whatever happens to the liver can potentially happen to the brain and other organs.
Common Questions about Alcohol and the Body
Does alcohol raise your body temperature?
Alcohol can make your body feel warmer because it causes your blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow near the skin’s surface. However, this does not mean that your body temperature is actually raised. In fact, alcohol consumption can actually lower your core body temperature and put you at risk for hypothermia in certain situations.
Does alcohol weaken your immune system?
Yes, alcohol can weaken your immune system. Chronic and heavy alcohol consumption can impair the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases by decreasing the effectiveness of white blood cells and suppressing the production of antibodies. This makes individuals who drink excessively more susceptible to illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and various types of cancers.
How does alcohol affect the central nervous system?
Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system by slowing down brain activity and communication between nerve cells. This can lead to impaired judgment, coordination, and reflexes as well as slurred speech, memory lapses, and blackouts. Long-term alcohol abuse can also cause permanent damage to the brain’s structure and function.
The Effects of Alcohol on the Heart
A person going through alcohol detox at a substance abuse treatment center may experience withdrawal symptoms such as delirium tremens, high blood pressure, or an elevated heart rate. These symptoms happen as a direct result of alcohol’s effects on the heart. Ongoing alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart problems such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Weakened heart muscles
- Blood clotting
- Heart disease
The longer you consume alcohol, the higher your risk of getting heart disease or suffering from a heart attack, especially as you get older. Your heart can only handle so much alcohol intake in a single sitting. If you are dependent on alcohol, you can seek addiction therapy services before alcohol does long-term damage to your heart.
Alcohol Treatment at The Willows
We are here to help you overcome your condition. We provide a comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program that promotes a lasting recovery. Our services include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Experiential therapy
Contact The Willows today to begin a brighter tomorrow.
Call The Willows Today
Don’t wait to reach out for help. Connect with our team today by calling 828.518.6941. We help the women in our care feel empowered on their wellness journey.
