Alcohol is a very complex drug. It seems safe to use — after all, it’s legal, and so many people use it. In all cases, even when being used on a casual basis, there are dangers of drinking alcohol. Dangers exist if you binge drink or just drink on a consistent basis in smaller amounts. If you are beginning to see the signs of addiction or disease, it’s time to reach out for help. Our team at Tides Edge Detox can help you with an alcohol detox program in FL.
What Are the Real Dangers of Drinking Alcohol?
It’s possible to break down the dangers of drinking alcohol based on the type of impact it can have. As noted, even using alcohol one time can be dangerous if you don’t know your tolerance level. You don’t even have to get drunk to have impaired judgment. You don’t have to drink all of the time to show signs of an alcohol use disorder.
There are real dangers of drinking alcohol depending on the severity of drinking habits. Drinking can affect your health, relationships, and career before you even realize there is a problem.
Increased Risk of Death
The most profound of all of the dangers of drinking alcohol is this. It can lead to death. Alcohol poisoning, in which the body cannot process and remove the chemicals from drinking, can occur to many people. When drugs and alcohol are involved, it increases this risk. Each year, 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes like this, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Short-Term Risks
If you are drinking alcohol, recognize there are immediate risks to you. Aside from health-related risks, you are also at a higher risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors. That’s because alcohol works to reduce inhibitions. Some of the most common risks include:
- Getting into fights or other forms of violence
- Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents (hurting yourself or others)
- Increased risk of sexual behavior including unprotected sex
- Unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
- Higher risk of suicide
- More likely to be burned, drown, or fall
Again, you don’t have to be drunk to struggle with these risks. Even if this is your first time having a sip of alcohol, the potential to escalate and face these risks is possible.
Health Risks
The biggest dangers of drinking alcohol stem from long-term and short-term health risks, aside from death. This may include:
- Heart disease including high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and irregular heartbeats
- Cancer of the mouth, throat, breast, liver, or colon
- Miscarriage or stillbirth for pregnant women
- Children with fetal alcohol syndrome
- Mental health problems including depression
- Brain disorders including dementia onset, memory problems
The Process of Alcohol Detox Treatment
Alcohol detox involves the medical management of withdrawal symptoms. During alcohol detox, healthcare professionals monitor vital signs and administer medications to reduce cravings, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and ensure a safe transition from dependence on alcohol. Withdrawal can lead to serious health risks, so it is important to seek professional help when attempting to quit drinking.
Detox programs usually employ a combination of medications, counseling, and support services to promote long-term sobriety. The length of detox depends on the severity of dependence and can typically last anywhere from three days to 10 days. After detox is complete, individuals have the opportunity to enter into a rehabilitation program for further treatment.
Once alcohol has been removed from the body, the patient must learn to manage sobriety and reduce the risk of relapse. This usually involves counseling or therapy sessions with addiction specialists in order to identify underlying issues that contribute to a person’s addiction. Patients are also introduced to coping strategies and lifestyle changes through programs like 12-step groups, which can provide support during recovery. With the right kind of support and guidance, individuals can learn to live a healthier life that is free from alcohol addiction’s grip.
Are You Ready to End the Hold That Alcohol Has Over Your Life?
If you’re struggling right now, there’s help available to you. At Tides Edge Detox, we offer a range of treatment programs designed to provide you with support. We encourage you to learn more about our men’s detox program and women’s detox programs, both designed to provide you with a safe place to detox. We also offer a holistic detox treatment plan as well as a continuing therapy treatment for your addiction. You can get through this. We can help you.
Our team at Tides Edge Detox offers the support you need. Our treatment options allow you to stop the progression of the disease and work on healing. Get immediate help when you contact us at 866.723.3127.
