Most people know the adverse effects of alcohol on the body such as kidney damage, liver damage, weight loss/gain, sleep disorders, and more. They know that alcohol is not good for the body. However, unfortunately, very few are aware of its effects on the brain. There is a misconception that alcohol has only short-term effects on the brain.
In this blog, we shed light on the most common psychological effects of alcohol to help patients understand the potential results of their actions. But first, let us take a look at some factors that matter a lot to determine the impact of alcohol abuse on the brain
- Your overall health status
- Family history of alcoholism
- The age at which you started drinking and how long you continued
- Your genetic background, age, gender, and education level
- How frequently you drink
- Quantity of alcohol
The effects of alcohol addiction can be severe on both the mind and body. In most cases, people exhibit the psychological effects of alcohol abuse right after limited or short use. Some of these are short-term while others are long-term effects.
Short-Term Psychological Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol intoxication occurs due to short-term changes in the central nervous system. The symptoms of this can vary depending on your body makeup, how often you drink, and how much you drink. Interestingly, these signs are evident after you have 2 to 3 drinks. And yes, alcohol overdose is a thing and it occurs when you ingest too much alcohol in just one sitting.
Alcohol interferes with your abilities to process information and communicate. This causes immediate psychological effects such as
- Affected reflexes, coordination, and vision
- Memory issues
- Reduced inhibitions
- Diminished stress
- Relaxation
- Difficulty to concentrate
If you continue drinking even after experiencing one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms, it may lead to alcohol poisoning. This is a severe medical condition and can lead to deadly consequences. The following are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning:
- Problems with remaining conscious.
- Slow heart rates
- Permanent cognitive disruption or impairment.
- Seizure
- Confusion
- Respiratory suppression
- Vomiting
- Death
Long Term Psychological Effects of Alcohol Abuse
People who drink heavily on a regular basis are at the risk of long-term health complications such as cancer, liver damage, heart diseases, digestion problems, mood & sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can take a major toll on your work, health, and personal relationships. Finding an alcohol rehab in Santa ana is the best step to take if you or someone you love is experiencing one or more psychological signs from the following list:
- Dependency on alcohol (otherwise known as alcoholism)
- Increased tolerance to alcohol and increased substance use
- Interrupted brain development
- Improved anxiety and depression
- Increased problems with memory and learning abilities
Final Words
Nowadays, alcohol is a widely accepted substance in the US. However, you have to understand that consuming excessive alcohol can have negative impacts on the mind and body.
If you or someone you love is already struggling with alcohol abuse, help is always available. No matter how dire the situation is, it is never too late to change your life. Contact us and get the best help today. We look forward to talking to you!
