Alcohol is widely abused in many parts of the world. In the US, the dangers of drinking alcohol culminate in the loss of six lives every day; unfortunately, very few people who are struggling with alcohol abuse disorders seek treatment. The effects of alcohol in society are both direct and indirect. Apart from ruining the life of the user, alcohol also affects families and puts a strain on interpersonal relationships.
Not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic, but alcoholics often continue drinking despite the negative impact on their personal and professional lives.
What You Need to Know About Alcohol
Alcohol is a legal substance that’s available for sale to adults and widely used in social contexts, including weddings and parties. In essence, alcohol is consumed in several forms, including hard liquor, beer, and wine.
Wine is prepared from fermented fruits and is available as either white or red. The beverage has concentrated amounts of alcohol when compared to beer. For instance, an average pour of it has an alcohol content of up to 12oz of beer.
Wine drinkers comprise of up to 59% of the total population in the US, and this is why most advertising campaigns target wine drinkers. When taken in moderation, wine does offer several health benefits, such as a healthy heart.
However, the dangers of drinking alcohol are still present, primarily if you use the substance over an extended period. Besides, many drinkers develop a substance use disorder, which impairs the brains with regular alcohol use.
Liquor, on the other hand, refers to hard alcoholic drinks, such as spirits. Liquor has a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) when compared to wine, which is why people often mix it with juices, sodas, or even water. Other people prefer to drink liquor alone as ‘shots.’
Mixing alcohol with sodas or other sugary soft drinks causes quicker intoxication as the carbonation process speeds up alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Although taking ‘shots’ lowers the liquid content, which makes it easier for an individual to consume even stronger alcoholic drinks, it leads to a higher risk of alcohol abuse and drunkenness.
What Are the Dangers of Drinking Alcohol?
Alcohol harms your overall health, and the effects do not necessarily start to show after your first sip. According to many studies, the occasional glass of wine does not cause any alarm; however, drinking wines, beer, and spirits regularly or for an extended period can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Some many worrying statistics and data showcase the dangers of alcohol, including:
- Personal injuries, such as falls, burns, and even death
- Various health problems that can amount to more than 200 diseases
- Congenital disabilities, such as brain damage to the baby
- Damage to the central nervous system
- A weak immune system that leaves you prone to other opportunistic diseases
- Addiction and other alcohol use disorders
- Dependency and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when not partaking
So as you consider these facts, it’s important you apply them to your habits and life. Perhaps it’s wise for you to attempt to stop drinking or find help to do so. Similarly, now that you know the dangers, perhaps you can help someone you care about overcome alcohol abuse.
Overcome Alcoholism at Phoenix Rising Recovery
Your alcohol drinking problem does not have control over your life the moment you choose to commence your first step toward recovery with us. Our alcohol and recovery center has specialized programs and treatments customized for you or your loved one.
Our alcohol rehab facility in California will offer several services, such as:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Residential treatment
- Experiential therapy program
Don’t suffer in silence, even when facing the extreme dangers of drinking alcohol. At Phoenix Rising Recovery, we’ll help you to start your journey to recovery. Contact us today at 8552328211 to schedule an appointment.