Heavy drinking is a threatening practice which can easily transition into alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. If you or a loved one denies alcohol abuse or cannot cut back on drinking, there may be a danger of alcoholism. Lastly the final stage, known as the end-stage of alcohol abuse, is the point where the alcoholic is experiencing very serious health and mental issues. At this point, the drinker depends on alcohol to feel “normal” and may experience negative symptoms or feelings when they are not drinking. This dependency may have underlying emotional and mental motivations.

• However, they’ll inevitably drink that much again not long after.
• It is critically important to seek out a professional alcohol addiction treatment program to safely detox and withdraw from alcohol use.
• Alcohol can also impair sleep quality, and studies show the less sleep a person gets, the higher their risk of getting sick.
• She started to further her knowledge in the Utilization Review Department in 2013.

In the middle stage, drinking may become a staple of daily life. The alcohol detox and rehab program at Inland Detox can help you move through recovery comfortably and in a safe environment, with the support of our highly trained staff. We understand how challenging it can be to overcome an alcohol addiction, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Helpful Resources for Families and Loved Ones

To others, the person may not look like they have a problem with alcohol. They may appear normal to those around them, other than the perception that they are drinking more. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, please reach out to one of our staff members right away. We are here to help and support you during the grips of alcohol addiction. When you consume large amounts of alcohol, it causes disruptions in the brain specifically with the communication pathways, often resulting in changes in mood and behaviors. If you drink enough alcohol, it could affect your coordination and ability to think clearly.

• In conclusion, the lifestyle factors of an alcoholic can have a significant impact on their overall health and lifespan.
• There are factors that pop up again and again when determining who might have an issue with alcoholism.
• This causes the body to crave alcohol in order to feel good and avoid feeling bad.
• During this time, you’re most at risk of temporarily losing consciousness, developing delirium tremens, and having seizures.

Throughout the following years, Jellinek conducted another study on a wider sample size which led to another piece. He published a follow-up paper in 1952, “Phases of Alcohol Addiction,” that built upon his original ideas. He outlined the unique stages of drinkers categorized by their drinking behaviors. Although benzodiazepines are the primary drug treatment for alcohol withdrawal, your doctor may also use other drugs alongside them. This can include drugs like clonidine (Catapres) and haloperidol (Haldol). The treatment for alcohol withdrawal involves supportive care and medications.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol can also lower a person’s inhibitions and make them more likely to act on suicidal thoughts. If you or a loved one experiences changes in mood or suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to seek help immediately. People ages of 20 to 39 are the largest age group affected, as 13.5% of all deaths are alcohol-related. You can receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience.

They may only feel well when they maintain a consistent level of alcohol in their bloodstream. Moderate drinkers that consume a large amount of alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day) can cause serious damage to their mental and physical health. The risks are heightened if you suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. In a separate research study, it was found that those individuals who reported drinking excessive amounts had shorter life expectancies at age 40 of approximately 4 to 5 years.

Cardiovascular Health

Common illnesses that occur with a weakened immune system, especially with alcoholics, include pneumonia and tuberculosis. Even 24 hours after being drunk can slow your body’s ability to ward off infections. The most common cancers among drinkers are that of the head and neck, liver, esophageal, colorectal and breast cancers. Many people use alcohol to self-medicate mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

While several studies emphasize the negative health effects of alcoholism and heavy drinking, there is some conflicting evidence when it comes to moderate alcohol use and life expectancy. One study suggests that regularly having one drink a day actually decreases mortality by lowering a person’s risk of coronary https://stylevanity.com/2023/07/top-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-sober-house.html artery disease, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Other evidence suggests that after age 40, one or two drinks a day leads to a shorter life expectancy by an average of six months. While some people experience very few withdrawal symptoms, others may suffer from more serious side effects.