While quitting drinking is often difficult, help is always at hand. If you find you’re struggling to stay sober, don’t hesitate to reach out to our alcohol treatment centers in Colorado. At Red Rock Recovery Center, we know that your health matters, and we’re determined to support you in your recovery.
While you’ll crave alcohol, experience restlessness, and other withdrawal symptoms, we will be with you every step of the way. It doesn’t matter if you’re a heavy or light drinker. Our support programs, including therapies and evidence-based treatment, will help you overcome your dependence on alcohol so that you can quit drinking successfully.
Signs You’re Overdrinking
Are you consuming alcohol and aren’t sure if you’re overdoing it? According to CDC, a standard drink contains 0.6 ounces of alcohol – that’s about five ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of liquor, or 12 ounces of beer.
It’s hard to keep track of your limits when you’re having a good time at the bar or home. So, what are some of the signs you’re drinking too much alcohol? If you find your memory is being compromised, you’re gaining weight abnormally, having trouble sleeping, or you’re often feeling down, chances are you’re overdrinking.
Your skin could get inflamed, too – check for discoloration, dullness, fine lines, and enlarged pores. Also, if you’ve increased your alcohol intake to achieve the same high, that’s a sign of overdrinking. Other signs you’re drinking excessively include skipping on your responsibilities and taking more risks.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse on the Brain
There are billions of interconnected neurons in the brain and central nervous system alike. Excessive alcohol consumption can destroy these neurons. This explains why alcohol is often referred to as a “downer.” It slows down neuron transmission, impairing certain brain processes, including the processing of new information. Alcohol can also cause a reduced reaction time.
Although these are short-term effects of alcohol, they represent the long-term damage alcohol can cause. Excessive drinking, for instance, can compromise your brain’s ability to retain new memory. This often happens when the hippocampus region of the brain is damaged by repeated alcohol intake.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is yet another alcohol-related brain damage. Symptoms of WKS include forgetfulness, confusion, and impaired learning ability.
Early Signs of Liver Damage from Alcohol Abuse
Heavy alcohol consumption can damage your liver – it causes fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Here’s how to find out early if your liver is damaged due to alcohol.
- Caffeine has a severe impact on you
- Your energy levels fluctuate often
- You have irregular sleeping patterns
- You’ve developed yellowish tint on the skin and around the eyes
- You experience severe side effects with common medication
- You have intense hangovers from small amounts of alcohol intake
If your liver is damaged, the only other option you might have is to get a liver transplant.
Get Help Today
Unfortunately, long-term heavy drinking comes with undesirable health effects, including liver damage. That’s why you should seek help from our alcohol treatment centers in Colorado. For any questions, call us today on 855.218.7588.
