Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic condition that takes a significant psychological, physical, and social toll. Unsafe alcohol use is a risk factor for numerous medical conditions and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality within the United Kingdom, as well as globally.
However, there is hope. Research has shown that reducing or stopping drinking alcohol can reduce and even completely reverse a significant number of symptoms related to long-term alcohol abuse.
At PCP we are dedicated to educating our readers on the dangers of alcohol abuse, how it manifests, as well as signs that your health is recovering from alcohol abuse.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Millions of people worldwide suffer from the complicated illness known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is distinguished by a drinking habit that includes issues with alcohol control, alcohol obsession, or alcohol usage in spite of issues. A person’s life and relationships may be significantly impacted by AUD, which can range in severity from mild to severe.
AUD is frequently misinterpreted, and many people might not be aware of its symptoms. But the first step to getting treatment and getting better is acknowledging the symptoms. AUD can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
What Are the Harmful Effects of Chronic Alcohol Abuse and How Do They Manifest?
One of the reasons an AUD is so dangerous is because consuming too much alcohol can affect multiple aspects of your life, not just your physical health.
Let’s take a look at some of the mental, physical, and social dangers of unsafe alcohol use and how they manifest.
Mental Consequences
Cognitive Impairment: Long-term alcohol abuse can manifest as cognitive impairment leading to deficiencies in memory, attention span, critical thinking, and decision-making. In severe cases, this may progress to alcohol-related dementia, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
Sleep Disturbances: AUD can lead to a number of sleep disturbances like insomnia, reduced total sleep time, and a fall in overall sleep quality.
Mood Disorders: Alcohol abuse is associated with mood disorders like depression, panic attacks, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Hallucinations: In severe cases chronic alcohol use can progress to alcohol-induced psychotic symptoms like visual and tactile hallucinations.
Impulsivity: Chronic alcohol use significantly damages the parts of the brain associated with judgement and self-control, leading to a vicious cycle of risky behaviour, poor decision-making, and further alcohol abuse. Chronic alcohol use can also lead to craving alcohol, as the brain’s reward system becomes altered, making it difficult to experience pleasure without alcohol.
Physical Dangers
Liver Disease: According to the British Liver Trust alcohol use is responsible for six out of 10 cases of liver disease in the UK. This includes liver cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, and liver cancer. Prolonged alcohol consumption can also lead to alcoholic hepatitis, a serious condition characterized by liver inflammation that can be potentially reversible with immediate cessation of alcohol intake.
Cardiovascular Disease: Long-term alcohol use increases your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and heart failure.
Digestive Issues: AUD can lead to digestive issues like gastritis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, as well as cancers of the throat, mouth, and colon.
Poor Immunity: Chronic alcohol use can disrupt your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and even worsening autoimmune symptoms.
Nerve Damage: Alcohol is directly toxic to the nerves and can lead to a condition called alcoholic neuropathy. Excessive alcohol consumption also leads to malnutrition which indirectly causes nerve damage by depriving the body of the vital micronutrients it needs to maintain a healthy nervous system.
Bone and Muscle Disease: Long-term alcohol abuse also interferes with your calcium and vitamin D metabolism, increasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It also leads to muscle wasting and weakness.
Endocrine Issues: Chronic alcohol abuse can disturb your normal hormonal balance causing low testosterone and libido in men, as well as menstrual irregularities and infertility in women.
Social Consequences
Breakdown of Relationships: Erratic, hurtful, or unpredictable behaviour under the influence often leads to estrangement from partners, family members, and friends. Family history can also play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder, as genetic predispositions can influence an individual’s risk of developing serious alcohol-related diseases.
Legal Entanglements: Offenses such as DUIs, public intoxication, or disorderly conduct create a criminal record that can follow you for years.
Financial Instability: Money spent on alcohol, legal fees, medical treatments, and lost wages compounds into debt, jeopardizing housing, education, or retirement plans.
Trouble at Work: Chronic absenteeism, impaired performance, or workplace misconduct can cost you promotions, and your job, and even lead to harm.
Neglected Responsibilities: Parental duties or care for elderly or disabled relatives often suffer, placing vulnerable dependents in harm’s way.
Exposure to Danger: Impaired judgment raises the odds of getting into fights, accidents, or becoming a crime victim yourself.
Erosion of Credibility: Once you’ve let loved ones or colleagues down repeatedly, rebuilding faith in your reliability can be an uphill battle.
The Benefits of Stopping Drinking
Stopping drinking can have numerous benefits for individuals with AUD. Some of the short-term benefits include:
Reduced risk of liver disease and other health problems
Improved mental health and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
Increased energy levels and improved sleep quality
Weight loss and improved overall health
Improved relationships and increased quality time with family and friends
More money and financial stability
Signs You’re Recovering From Chronic Alcohol Use
Here are some telltale signs your body and mind are on the path to recovery:
Improved Physical Health
Better sleep quality and more restorative rest
Increased energy and reduced fatigue
Stabilized weight and improved nutrition, contributing to a healthy weight
Fewer or no hangovers and withdrawal symptoms
Enhanced Mental and Emotional Well‑Being
Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
Clearer thinking, improved concentration, and memory
Greater emotional regulation and fewer mood swings
Individuals who were dependent on alcohol may also experience significant improvements in their mental health as they regain control over their emotions and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Increased self‑esteem and confidence
Healthier Coping Strategies
Using stress‑management tools (e.g., mindfulness, deep breathing) instead of alcohol
Engaging in hobbies, exercise, or creative outlets to manage emotions
Reaching out for support (friends, sponsor, therapist) when urges arise
Engaging in talking therapies to address underlying emotional issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms
Strengthened Relationships
Rebuilding trust through honest communication and reliability
Support groups and professional help can also provide resources for individuals concerned about someone else’s drinking, helping to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships.
More meaningful, substance‑free social interactions
Repairing past harms and making amends where appropriate
Consistent Engagement in Recovery Activities
Regular attendance at support groups (e.g., AA) or therapy sessions. Receiving the right treatment and support is crucial for long-term recovery, as it helps individuals stay committed to their recovery plan and achieve their milestones.
Working through a recovery plan or steps with a sponsor or counselor
Celebrating milestones (30 days, 90 days, 1 year) without shame
Greater Life Stability and Responsibility
Improved work or school performance, punctuality, and productivity
These improvements contribute to a more stable and fulfilling daily life, allowing individuals to manage their responsibilities more effectively.
Better financial management and reduced alcohol‑related expenses
Establishing routines that support health (regular meals, exercise, sleep)
Reduced Cravings and Triggers
Cravings become less intense and more manageable over time
For those who were dependent on alcohol, managing cravings and triggers is a crucial part of the recovery process, requiring ongoing support and strategies.
Ability to navigate high‑risk situations without relapsing
Developing a “toolbox” of strategies to cope with triggers
Positive Identity Shift
Seeing oneself as a person in recovery rather than an “addict”
Embracing new values and goals beyond drinking
For example, individuals may find purpose through work, volunteering, or creative pursuits, which can help reinforce their new identity in recovery.
Finding purpose through work, volunteering, or creative pursuits
These signs often emerge gradually. Healing from AUD is a lifelong journey—setbacks can occur, but each positive change reinforces resilience and supports long‑term recovery.
Managing Alcohol-Related Risks
Heavy drinking can increase the risk of various health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. It can also increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and violence.
To manage alcohol-related risks, individuals can take the following steps:
Drink in moderation: Limit drinking to no more than five or more drinks per day for men and four or more drinks per day for women.
Avoid binge drinking: Binge drinking can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and violence.
Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of liver disease and other health problems.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Get regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify health problems early and prevent complications.
How To Speed Up Your Recovery From Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
- Stop Drinking Alcohol: Quitting alcohol is the most important step in allowing your body to recover from alcohol-related damage. Reducing alcohol consumption prevents further harm and gives your liver the chance to heal.
Attend a Rehab Programme: If quitting alcohol on your own proves difficult, professional addiction rehabilitation centres can provide the necessary treatments and support to overcome alcohol addiction. These programs offer medical guidance, counselling, and tools to help you stay sober and improve your overall health.
Avoid Dangerous Detoxes: Many products claim to detoxify or heal alcohol-related damage, but there is little clinical evidence to support these claims. Instead, focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your body’s natural healing processes.
Use Liver-friendly Medications: The liver plays a key role in metabolizing drugs, so be cautious about the medications you take. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it’s safe for your liver.
Build Your Overall Health: Eat liver-friendly foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish that are high in antioxidants and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars. Regular physical activity helps reduce fatty deposits in the liver and improves your metabolic health. Staying well-hydrated supports detoxification and overall body metabolism.
Maintaining Long-Term Benefits
Maintaining long-term benefits of stopping drinking requires ongoing effort and commitment. Individuals can take the following steps to maintain long-term benefits:
Attend support groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous can provide ongoing support and guidance.
Seek professional help: Ongoing therapy and counseling can help individuals maintain long-term benefits.
Stay connected with family and friends: Maintaining social connections can help individuals stay motivated and committed to their recovery.
Engage in healthy activities: Engaging in healthy activities such as exercise and hobbies can help individuals maintain long-term benefits.
Monitor progress: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help individuals monitor their progress and make adjustments to their treatment plan as needed
Seek Help Today
Breaking the grip of alcohol addiction can be a difficult task, but with the right tools, information and support you can get your life back on track.
At PCP we offer the very best personalized alcohol addiction recovery services designed to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. Consulting a doctor can provide you with the necessary medical advice and support to begin your recovery journey. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction or its consequences, do not hesitate to reach out to PCP today.
