Facts regarding alcoholism
The facts and statistics regarding alcoholism are never pleasant. According to the NIAAA, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and MedicinePlus.com, there 17.6 million Americans that abuse alcohol or are addicted to it. That’s about 1 in every 12 or 13 adults that are alcoholics. Additionally, men are four times as likely to become alcoholics or heavy drinkers as what women are. Finally, over 100,000 individuals will die from causes associated with alcohol, including suicide.
Effects on the human body
There are a number of areas where the physical effects of alcohol are evidenced. The following will give you a fairly good idea of what the consequences are of heavy drinking and prolonged alcoholism:
- cardiovascular issues such as elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- certain cancers including colon, esophageal, larynx, and liver cancer
- chronic inflammation and infection in the digestive system (colon, intestines, and stomach)
- cirrhosis of the liver
- destruction of brain cells and damage to the central nervous system
- kidney problems and diseases of the renal system
- malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
Additionally, alcoholism is linked with Diabetes and causes damage to the immune system, making it difficult for the body to defend itself against disease and infection in general.
The warning signs of alcoholism
In order to determine if you or a loved one is becoming an alcoholic or is abusing alcohol, you have to be aware of the “red flags” or warning signs that indicate this. There are a number of warning signs that indicate having a problem with alcohol abuse or dependency. However, the three listed here are probably the most significant of all of them:
Drinking alcohol at times of the day that many would consider odd or unusual – this includes drinking alone or secretively, at events where drinking alcohol is inappropriate, at your job, during earlier morning hours, or when there isn’t anyone else who is drinking.
An inability to function or have a good time without drinking alcohol – if you find that you cannot function and get through the day without at least one drink or that you never enjoy yourself without alcohol, you are a candidate for an alcohol rehab program.
Let our referral service help you
The Rehab Advisor is the premier addiction treatment referral website and has information regarding the physical effects of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. We list the most successful alcohol rehab programs throughout the US, so no matter where you live, we can refer you into a program in your local vicinity. For more information about our referral site and our alcohol addiction treatment and recovery programs, fill out the e-mail form above or call the toll-free phone number above if you want to speak with someone immediately.