Drinking too much too frequently can have many harmful effects on a person’s health. Moderate drinking is generally considered safe and refers to three to four standard drinks per drinking event, or no more than 9 drinks per week for women and 12 to 14 for men. For men under the age of 65, heavy drinking means having four drinks a day or more than 14 drinks in one week. For women and men above the age of 65, heavy drinking is defined as more than three drinks a day or more than seven drinks in a week. Heavy drinking refers to drinks per day, but binge drinking is drinking a large amount of alcohol at one time. For men, binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks within the space of two hours. For women, it’s four or more drinks in two hours.
What are the actual effects of prolonged heavy or binge drinking?
Alcoholic liver disease. This is damage to the liver and its ability to function as a result of alcohol abuse. It starts out as fatty liver disease, then progresses to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.
Pancreatitis. An inflammation in the pancreas that can lead to damage to the heart, lungs, and kidneys and even result in death.
Cancer. Cancers of the mouth, esophagus, larynx, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, and breast can all be caused by alcohol abuse.
Ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. Acid reflux, heartburn, and gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining that can sometimes lead to stomach cancer.
Immune system problems. Too much alcohol weakens the immune system, leaving the door open for diseases such as pneumonia, HIV, and tuberculosis. The body’s production of white blood cells is suppressed, and the cells become trapped in the spleen rather than fighting infections as they’re meant to.
Brain damage. Alcohol’s effects on the brain can lead to blurred vision, memory lapses, altered mood and emotions, slurred speech, difficulty walking, and slowed reaction time. Chronic heavy drinking can speed up the aging of the brain, leading to dementia.
Malnutrition. Alcohol has no vitamins or nutrients, and it can suppress appetite over time as well as interfering with metabolism, leading to damage of the liver, digestive system, and most bodily organs. It also causes cravings for unhealthy carbohydrates, as well as salts and sugars.
Osteoporosis. This is a condition where bones become less dense and more likely to fracture. Alcohol interferes with the balance of calcium, which is necessary for healthy bones, and also interferes with the production of Vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium.
Heart disease. Heavy drinking can cause high blood pressure, as well as a risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
