Once detox is complete, alcoholics can begin tackling problematic behaviors related to their addiction and learn how to live sober again. Because alcoholism is a chronic disease and alcohol relapse is common, persistence is a necessity — but success is achievable. Cirrhosis can cause a host of other health problems, including high blood pressure, which can lead to the development of enlarged veins in the esophagus called esophageal varices. These are similar to the varicose veins that some people develop in their legs. But esophageal varices are prone to rupture, and when they do, the alcoholic can bleed to death.
- Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and overall life expectancy.
- Typically lasting 2-4 weeks, it supports recovery through personalized, structured care.
- Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, cardiomyopathy, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- It’s important to address the issue of substance abuse comprehensively, considering both alcohol and cigarette use.
Inspiring Addiction Recovery Quotes
Up to 35 percent of alcoholics develop liver inflammation known as alcoholic hepatitis, and 8 to 20 percent will develop cirrhosis, a severe scarring of the liver that hinders the organ’s ability to function normally. While there is no known cure for alcoholism, it can be effectively treated. Treatment often involves a combination Substance abuse of therapy, support groups, and medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.
What Impact Does Alcohol Addiction Treatment Have on an Individual with Addiction?
Individuals suffering from alcoholism may experience a higher prevalence of these health concerns, leading to complications that can shorten their lifespan. Explore effective ways to reduce alcohol use, understand health risks, and discover treatment options. Inpatient rehab offers 24/7 care, structured therapy, and a supportive environment, helping individuals build resilience and strategies for lasting recovery and wellness. Explore alternative ways to achieve sobriety without rehab, including support groups, therapy, lifestyle changes, self-help techniques, and healthy coping strategies for lasting recovery. Withdrawal symptoms could be serious, including tremors and hallucinations. It is critically important to seek out a professional alcohol addiction treatment program to safely detox and withdraw from alcohol use.
Effects of Alcoholism on the Body
The social and emotional consequences of alcoholism can be devastating, affecting both the individual struggling with alcohol abuse and their loved ones. Even though there are many health consequences an individual can face during the last stages of alcoholism, quitting drinking can alleviate many of the symptoms. However, a person should never try to quit drinking on their why do alcoholics live so long own during end stage alcoholism. Alcohol-related liver disease, or cirrhosis, is caused when a person drinks too much alcohol for a long time.
When the immune system becomes damaged by heavy drinking, it can weaken functions like the lung immune response, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases like pneumonia. With a weakened immune system, an alcoholic’s life span drastically declines. Long-term alcohol misuse can also decrease life expectancy due to a weakened immune system. Too much alcohol can make it harder for the immune system to fight infections and disease. For example, chronic drinkers are at a greater risk of contracting lung diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than moderate drinkers or people who don’t drink at all. Alcoholism can lead to a variety of health issues that significantly impact a person’s quality of life and longevity.
