You may have heard your friends tell you that you need to stop drinking. A casual drink does not seem like it can be life-threatening at first. Even though alcohol is legal to drink and can be used safely by some, for others, it can lead to addiction and life-threatening complications. Read on to learn more about the real dangers of alcohol and how a substance abuse treatment center like Ethan Crossing Recovery can help you if you are struggling with addiction.
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The Dangers of Alcohol Are Real
Alcohol is a dangerous substance for anyone. For some people, it can be an even higher risk factor for health complications. This is not a rare condition. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 14.4 million U.S. adults had an alcohol use disorder in 2018 and that as many as 30% of people who consume alcohol are likely to develop this condition. To make it even more clear how worrisome alcohol is, consider that an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes each year. There are real health risks involved with alcohol use. Individuals should educate themselves on the dangers of drinking before they pick up a drink in order to avoid the risks that are involved.
What Makes Alcohol So Dangerous?
The dangers of alcohol do not start with addiction. They begin with the first drink that makes you more reckless in your behavior. It continues when you begin to use alcohol as a way to stop thinking about your problems and to hide your stress. The following are additional risk factors that you will have if you consume alcohol, especially on a consistent basis:
Health Problems
Alcohol consumption can lead to a wide range of health risks. This includes:
- Liver disease
- Depression
- Stomach bleeding and ulcers
- Cardiovascular disease
- Some cancers especially of the esophagus and oral cavity
Additionally, those who have diabetes, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, or chronic pain conditions are less likely to manage those conditions well if they have an alcohol use disorder.
Addiction
The most profound concern with alcohol consumption is the development of alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction. You may have signs of addiction use disorder such as:
- Lack of interest in activities you enjoyed
- Trouble with family or work
- Engaging in reckless behavior such as driving while drinking
- Worsening emotional and mental health disorder
- Difficulty or impossibility in stopping
Finding Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
What if you are experiencing these symptoms? If you are worried you are in this place, now is the time to get help. At Ethan Crossing Recovery, we offer the treatment options that are right for you. This includes rehab programs for women and children, a dual diagnosis treatment program for those with mental health needs, and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for those who want to live at home. At our alcohol addiction treatment center, you will receive one-on-one support and a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs. As a comprehensive residential treatment center, you will feel at ease here. We will work with you through your addiction. Additionally, we will help you deal with the complexities of life while working on restoring your health and wellbeing. It is possible to overcome the dangers of alcohol by taking the first step to seek help.
Avoiding the Dangers of Alcohol at Ethan Crossing Recovery
If you are facing the dangers of alcohol head-on and you realize you need to get help, contact Ethan Crossing Recovery. We provide a wide range of treatment options to help you recover your health and life. To learn more about treatment options, call us at 833.691.0736 for immediate help with substance abuse and addiction.
