The long term affects of alcohol are very serious. Alcohol has long been ingrained in American culture. Alcohol can be found at nearly every gathering and in households across the country. This raises the question, “What are the long-term affects of alcohol?” When consumed in moderation, this may not be much of a problem. However, there are concerns in both the short and long term. In the short term, alcohol poisoning can be incredibly dangerous and surprisingly common. When the line between moderation and excessive consumption blur, there are long-term effects of alcohol to be concerned about. This article will explore the long term affects of alcohol, help identify alcohol poisoning, and perhaps most importantly, share a way out.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Alcohol poisoning does not require years of long-term alcohol abuse to set it. It can occur on any night of heavy drinking—even someone’s first experience with alcohol. Alcohol poisoning is an acute medical condition resulting from drinking too much alcohol in a short time.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning (in no particular order)
- Feeling extremely tired or weak
- Vomiting while passed out or losing consciousness
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths per minute)
- Hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, paleness
- Irregular breathing (a gap of more than eight seconds between breaths, or a moment when the chest doesn’t rise)
- Seizures
- A lack of response to stimulation such as loud noise or painful stimuli
If you observe any of these symptoms, it is critical to contact emergency services. Immediate medical intervention may be necessary as alcohol poisoning can lead to death.
What are the long term Affects of alcohol?
Drinking too much alcohol over several years can lead to many problems. We can see trouble with liver health, brain function, heart disease, and more from a health perspective. Socially, we see difficulties in relationships. The long term affects of alcohol are very far-reaching. Not everyone who struggles with alcohol dependency will experience all of these. If you or a loved one struggle with alcoholism, though, it is crucial to be aware of what can happen over time.
Liver Health
The liver is the body’s filtration system. It is responsible for breaking down alcohol. When consumed in moderation, this process works without any problems. However, when the body consistently produces more alcohol than what can be broken down by the liver, it begins to take a toll on the