Alcohol addiction and substance abuse are more common than most people realize. Because it is legal for adults over the age of 21 to consume, and because of its vast availability, it’s not difficult to access and drink frequently. It’s also incredibly easy to become addicted to it because of how communally acceptable it is, and the regularity with which it is consumed in both social settings and at home. Alcohol is viewed as being a regular part of having a good time. This makes addiction easy, and alcohol rehab is crucial in the recovery process.
However, the effects of alcoholic beverages depend on which type is consumed and how much, as well as individual body chemistry. A variety of things can happen to a person who has consumed alcohol, including but not limited to decreased inhibitions, an increase in courage, a lack of coordination, slurred speech, extreme hangovers, and the complete loss of consciousness and memories of the previous hours.
Contact our alcohol rehab center today for professional treatment advice and treatment options such as alcohol treatment medications. A certified addiction specialist will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The Effects of Alcoholic Beverages
The Effects of Beer
Alcohol comes in a variety of forms, but beer is one of the most common types. It is made from fermented grain and has an alcohol content of 2 to 12 percent, which is the lowest of the most popular alcoholic drinks for those who drink alcohol.
Drinkers abuse beer because it is affordable and perceived as a very social beverage. College drinking games usually involve consuming large quantities of beer, usually from a keg. The tradition continues in the workplace as well, with coworkers often meeting for after-work “happy hours” on discounted beers.
The rise of craft beer, which tends to have a higher alcohol content, is a hobby for many as well. People who consume beer in any of these situations can easily lapse into alcoholism, often before they realize that it has crossed over from a social activity to alcohol dependence.
The Effects of Wine
Wine comes from fermented grapes and generally contains more alcohol by volume than beer. A 5-ounce glass of wine contains about the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce can of beer. Society tends to view wine as a classier drink than beer. However, it’s easy to consume far more than 5 ounces of wine in one sitting, which can lead to getting drunk more quickly.
Despite the smaller serving size, wine drinkers can become addicted to the alcohol within it just as they would to any other drink. Women are the majority consumers of wine, while men are the majority consumers of beer. Moreover, women are at an increased risk of health problems from alcohol addiction because of their lower body mass and water content than their male counterparts.
Contact alcohol rehabilitation in Palm Beach County today to learn more about alcohol use disorder and treatment programs.
The Effects of Liquor
Liquor is made from other fermented substances, such as grain or potatoes. Types of alcohol include rum, whiskey, tequila, vodka, and gin. Because liquor has much higher alcohol by volume content, it is consumed in smaller quantities. One serving of liquor is only 1.5 ounces, which many people drink mixed with something else like juice or soda.
The way liquor is consumed often makes it more dangerous than other drinks. Drinking liquor with soda intensifies its effects. Many people also consume liquor in the form of a shot, in which they drink an ounce or two of liquor without any mixer and often in one fell swoop. When people consume several shots in a row, they can become intoxicated quickly.
Binge Drinking and Alcohol Poisoning
Binge drinking is a common activity for young people. It is considered a binge when five or more alcoholic drinks are consumed within two hours for men or four or more drinks for women.
Binge drinking can easily lead to alcohol poisoning. When the blood alcohol content becomes too high, it can be toxic and lead to a coma or even death. If someone is passed out from alcohol use, it’s important to stay with them because they could choke on their vomit or die. Seek emergency treatment immediately; don’t just wait for them to sleep off the effects.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down breathing and heart rates. Alcohol is especially dangerous because it can be fatal when consumed with other drugs. When a person takes a medication that also depresses the central nervous system, such as Xanax or Vicodin, drinking alcohol can cause a fatal interaction.
Many of these deaths are deemed accidental overdoses because most people do not expect that the combination will kill them. However, this is a significant risk because medications and alcohol increase the likelihood of risk-taking behaviors.
High-Functioning Alcoholism
Thousands of people are so-called functional alcoholics. They can drink alcohol heavily and hold down a job. Many even have successful, high-powered careers in which their drinking is a secret from everyone. A functional alcoholic often shows no signs of intoxication, no matter how much they drink, as they have a very high alcohol tolerance.
Most functional alcoholics consume large quantities of alcohol daily. However, even the people closest to them may not realize how much they drink. The ability to function well and be successful at a job does not mean that functional alcoholism is harmless. The effects of heavy consumption can take a significant toll on health over time, leading to liver damage and increased cancer risks. If you are struggling with an alcohol problem, enrolling in an alcohol treatment center can be the solution you need.
How Alcohol Addiction Treatment Can Help
Alcohol addiction is a widespread problem in society. Millions of Americans are believed to be struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. Recovering from alcoholism is not as simple as just deciding to stop, especially in cases of advanced alcoholism. Abruptly quitting drinking can be fatal, particularly for people who consume large quantities daily.
Alcohol withdrawal and detox can be serious depending on one’s dependency. The body becomes hugely dependent on alcohol, and such individuals must undergo alcohol treatment with a medically supervised detox program.
Anyone can have a problem with alcohol abuse. From teenagers to successful people in business, alcohol addiction touches all segments of society. You can’t beat it on your own, but you can recover with the right help by joining a rehab facility and choosing from substance abuse treatment programs with the help of a treatment provider.
Finding an alcohol rehab facility can help you initially break the physical dependence on alcohol by safely treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms through an alcohol treatment program such as intensive outpatient treatment. Many alcohol rehab centers and alcohol rehab programs, including participation in 12-Step programs and support groups, can help you stay sober and begin the recovery process.
Addiction treatment at a trusted rehab facility like Harmony Healing Center can bring you one step closer to the future you want. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, a healthier, alcohol-free future awaits. Contact our treatment facility today for more information about our alcohol rehab.
