The dangers of alcoholic beverages to health have been reported very often. When consumed in excess and in the long term, alcoholic beverages can damage organs and cause addiction. In fact, it is not uncommon for alcohol poisoning to occur which can be fatal.
Many people drink alcohol to feel calmer or to sleep easier. However, the various benefits of alcoholic beverages can only be obtained if you consume them wisely, namely in moderate amounts and not too often.
The recommended amount of alcoholic beverage consumption for adults is 1-2 glasses for men and 1 drink for women in a day. If you drink more than this limit, the dangers of alcoholic beverages can cause various health problems, especially liver damage.
The Dangers of Alcoholic Drinks and the Diseases It Causes
A study shows that the habit of consuming alcoholic beverages is one of the highest causes of death. WHO states that at least 3 million people die every year due to alcoholic beverages, both due to the direct effects of alcohol and the diseases it causes.
In addition to increasing the risk of death, alcoholism can also damage the liver or liver. This organ functions to help the process of digestion of food, neutralize toxins in the blood, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, help the blood clotting process, and produce hormones.
People who are addicted to alcohol are very at risk for impaired liver function due to liver disease. Not only that, the dangers of alcoholic beverages will also increase the risk of various other health problems.
The following are some of the diseases that can arise from consuming too much alcohol:
1. Fatty liver
Fatty liver is the accumulation of fat in the liver caused by consuming alcohol in large quantities or too often. Generally, fatty liver causes no symptoms. However, this disease can progress to inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
Fatty liver can be cured by stopping the consumption of alcoholic beverages, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight.
2. Hepatitis
Hepatitis is more serious than fatty liver. When the liver is full of fat and alcohol consumption is not stopped, inflammation of the organ can occur. This condition is called hepatitis.
Mild hepatitis can be cured if you completely stop consuming alcoholic beverages. However, if it is severe, this condition can cause permanent liver damage.
3. Cirrhosis
The worst condition that you can experience due to continuous consumption of alcoholic beverages is cirrhosis. This disease occurs when the liver is badly damaged and hardened because it is filled with scar tissue. When the liver has cirrhosis, liver function will be disrupted.
Unlike fatty liver and hepatitis, cirrhosis cannot be cured. However, by stopping drinking alcohol, you can prevent further liver damage from occurring. People with cirrhosis usually need to undergo a liver transplant to survive.
4. Cancer
Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the long term can cause various types of janker, especially liver cancer. In addition to liver cancer, alcoholic beverages can also increase the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, oral cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
5. Anemia
Anemia is a condition when the body lacks red blood cells. When you consume too many alcoholic drinks, you will feel full so you often skip meals.
Over time, this condition can cause the body to lack iron, which plays an important role in the process of forming red blood cells.
In addition, people who frequently consume alcohol are also at high risk of impaired liver function, making it easier for their bodies to bleed. It can also be a cause of anemia in people who are addicted to alcohol.
6. Digestive system disorders
Another danger of alcoholic beverages is that they can cause digestive system disorders, such as gastric ulcers and pancreatitis. People who drink alcohol too often are also more prone to malnutrition, because the digestive tract cannot digest and absorb nutrients properly.
In addition to the various diseases above, the dangers of alcoholic beverages can also increase the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- stroke
- Dementia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Osteoporosis
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders
Alcoholic drinks weaken the immune system. If consumed by pregnant women, alcoholic beverages can cause the fetus to have genetic disorders, birth defects, developmental disorders, or be born prematurely. Not only that, alcohol consumption during pregnancy also triggers the occurrence of beriberi.
In addition, driving under the influence of alcohol is also very risky to cause accidents. In this case, the dangers of alcoholic beverages not only affect the people who consume them, but also other people.
How to Deal with Alcoholic Beverage Addiction
The best way to overcome alcohol addiction is to prevent it. When drinking alcoholic beverages, limit consumption to no more than 1-2 glasses per day.
If you feel addicted or find it difficult to stop drinking alcoholic beverages, you should consult a doctor for medical assistance.
The following are some of the ways you can deal with alcohol addiction:
Changing lifestyle
Adopt a healthy lifestyle and look for activities that can divert your desire to consume alcoholic beverages, such as doing hobbies, exercising, participating in social activities, or hanging out with family.
Taking medicine from a doctor
Certain drugs, such as disulfiram, can suppress your desire to consume alcoholic beverages. Doctors can also give other medicines, such as naltrexone or acamprosate, whose function is also to reduce the desire to drink alcohol.
Undergoing psychotherapy and counseling
People who are already addicted to alcohol are at high risk for various mental disorders. If you have difficulty quitting alcohol and have psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping, your doctor may recommend psychotherapy and counseling.
If your alcohol addiction is severe, your doctor will advise you to undergo a rehabilitation program, especially if you also have other addiction problems, such as drug addiction.
The decision to stop drinking may not be an easy one. However, you also need to consider the various dangers of alcoholic beverages that you can experience if you continue to consume them.
If you're having trouble quitting alcohol or experiencing certain health problems due to drinking too much, talk to your doctor for treatment.