The holidays and festivities are about to be over and you’re still revving yourself up for the last hurrah of New Year’s Eve parties. However, before you get yourself on another alcohol binge, read up on how drinking too much alcohol too often affects you.
Popping the champagne, bringing a six pack, having a kegger…these phrases are all very familiar. Alcohol is one of the most prevalent substances today. It is widely used since it is legal and very much accepted that it is even part of every celebration or occasion is so many cultures.
Nevertheless, alcohol is a substance and, when abused, it comes with its own problems:
- Beer belly
Having a beer belly can be one of the most common effects of drinking alcohol, particularly beer. Having intoxication by alcohol, we tend to eat more, especially food that are not good for our health. In fact, many bars that serve as a watering hole for drinkers even serve fare that are utterly unhealthy, such as greasy fries and other deep fried food.
In addition, those who drink frequently and party until dawn often are wide awake or down to their last bottles, instead of sleeping. This then slows down their metabolism and lose muscle mass.
- Blood pressure
Alcohol, when abused, can increase blood pressure. In fact, the risk increases when drinkers take in more than two drinks daily. The risk also increases when drinkers have been abusing alcohol for longer periods of time.
- Liver problems
One of the most common complications of alcohol abuse is liver disease. Too much alcohol can cause a lot of damage to the liver, and it can even cause liver poisoning, which is fatal.
- Sleep
Many people become dependent on alcohol because they say it helps them sleep. Sure, alcohol can be relaxing. However, studies show that alcohol can in fact interfere with sleep. Alcohol in your brain reduces your chances of having a fitful sleep because it prevents you from reaching your dream state. And when you wake up, you will find yourself unable to focus and feeling tired. Oftentimes for some, this causes them even more to drink at the end of the day.
- Depression
Alcohol is a depressant and those who are predisposed to depression may find themselves in the slumps with this condition. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis to cope with feelings of loneliness can worsen depression. Those who turn to alcohol to nurse heartbreak and sadness will soon find that they are doing themselves more harm than good.
- Cancer
Clinical studies show that alcohol increases one’s risk for cancer. Even indulging to a glass or bottle a day can increase your chances at developing diseases such as breast cancer, since alcohol is associated with increasing estrogen levels, which was shown to contribute to the formation of many types of cancer.
- A wide range of diseases
Alcohol dependence and abuse can cause a variety of other diseases such as stomach disorders, pancreatitis, nerve tissue damage, obesity, muscle and heart muscle diseases, as well as sexual disorders such as impotence. Alcohol also causes problems to the unborn baby in pregnant women.
So before you take that next sip or indulge yourself in that night cap, consider your health and weigh your options. There are many ways to enjoy the holidays without drugs or alcohol.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol dependence or abuse, text or call Bridges of Hope
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