Approximately 29.5 million people over 12 abuse alcohol in the United States. Long-term alcohol abuse leads to many health impacts. Reversing the effects of alcohol abuse takes time and patience. Learning about the reversibility and length of time it takes is critical for people attempting to overcome their alcohol addiction.
What Damages Does Alcohol Abuse Cause?
Long-term alcohol abuse leads to many problems in the body. Understanding the possibilities of damage often helps abusers decide to stop. Entering an Intensive Outpatient Program is one of the safest ways of assisting people to go through withdrawal and put their alcohol addiction in remission.
· High blood pressure
· Heart disease and stroke
· Liver disease
· Cancer
· Weakened immune system
· Depression and anxiety
· Dementia
Is Alcohol-Induced Brain Damage Reversible?
Alcohol abuse affects the brain at the cellular level. Chronic abuse of alcohol leads to the following in the brain.
· Alcohol abuse damages the neurons in the brain. Neurons send and receive neurotransmitters.
· Every brain mechanism becomes compromised with long-term alcohol abuse.
· Alcohol abuse also alters the activity of neural pathways. Neural pathways send messages from one part of the brain to another.
· People who abuse alcohol regularly are at a greater risk of developing neurological diseases, brain cancer, stroke, and seizures.
Unfortunately, some brain damage is irreversible, especially those that do not respond in the first year. Those who abstain from alcohol will see improvements after several months to a year. Alcohol-induced brain damage is usually maintained for up to 5 to 7 years.
Factors That Determine How Long It Takes to Reverse Alcohol-Induced Damage
Psychological and functional impairments both occur with alcohol abuse. As mentioned, some damage cannot be undone. The length of time it takes for reversal depends on the following factors.
· How long has the person abused alcohol?
· How much alcohol did they typically consume daily?
· Is there a family history of alcohol abuse?
· What are the dietary and health habits of the person?
How Does Alcohol Abuse Impact the Cardiovascular System?
The heart becomes impacted by too much alcohol. The American Heart Association warns about the ramifications of abusing alcohol. Although there has been some research devoted to the cardiovascular benefits of consuming alcohol, abuse can lead to damage. Some heart damage becomes permanent, depending on how long the individual abused alcohol.
· High blood pressure is one of the first cardiovascular symptoms heavy drinkers notice. High blood pressure is a problem that can result in further cardiovascular issues, including stroke and heart attack.
· There is also a condition called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Heavy drinking weakens the heart over time and makes it less effective at pumping. People suffering from this condition may have palpitations and shortness of breath.
· Heart attack and sudden death from strokes are also risks for heavy drinkers. The damage can become extensive.
Even after stopping drinking, the cardiac concerns above may not resolve. Any irreparable damage is usually experienced in the first year.
Get Professional Help to Stop Alcohol Abuse
Teens and adults of all ages abuse alcohol. With so much potential for permanent damage, it is critical heavy drinkers seek professional help as soon as possible.
People who regularly drink in excess are more likely to experience permanent damage to their brains and heart. Damage to the nervous or cardiovascular systems does not always correct right away. Professionals will help you go through withdrawal safely and effectively.
I’m guessing for some people excessive alcohol consumption must creep up on them. What started as a regular social drink with friends slowly becomes alcohol every day.