Can You Reverse The Effects Of Alcohol?
Are you wondering if you can reverse the effects and damage caused by alcohol? Whether the use of alcohol is safe for human health is a complete mystery to lots of individuals. It is true that drinking alcohol is seen throughout different fields such as medical institutes, religious and cultural events, and other social activities.
However, excessive use or abuse of alcohol can lead to brain damage, physical and emotional damage as well as legal issues for a person. The thing is that some of these problems may not arise immediately for the person if he is still young. But, the earlier someone starts drinking, the more they are at risk of facing alcohol damage at a later age.
Risks of Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
There is a reason why alcohol is prohibited for people under the age of 21. Excessive alcohol use has a number of serious risks. It is a necessity for anyone to know about these risks beforehand. In that way, you can have an idea of what you are getting into or doing. Below are some health issues that can be caused by alcoholism:
- Brain damage
- Ulcers
- Osteoporosis
- Liver issues
- Problems in the cardiovascular system
- Increased risk of seizure, dementia, brain cancer, and stroke
Alcohol abuse is the most common disorder among people. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “[a]mong people aged 12 or older in 2021, 10.6 percent (29.5 million people) had a past year alcohol use disorder.” Unfortunately, most of them consume alcohol without knowing the risks. But if you are already doing it and want to reverse the effects of alcohol, there are ways.
Reverse Alcohol Damage on the Brain and Body
By taking the proper steps, you can reverse almost all the damage and bodily changes caused by alcohol abuse. But it will take time for a complete recovery. The first steps in all these are to stay sober for five to seven years, as that is how long it takes for your body to recover. Unfortunately, some alterations in the brain are irreversible. This depends on how long you have been drinking.
But some other factors also work here. For instance, your diet, the amount of exercise you do, your family history, and even genetic factors are vital factors determining your recovery. So, the best thing to do is never to pick up the habit again.
Keep in mind that most of the recovery from the damages happens within only the first year of sobriety. Apparently, most of this recovery happens automatically. All you got to do is to stop yourself from drinking during these times.
There are some health issues where the problem isn’t directly related to alcoholism, but it indirectly causes them. One of them is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. It may still be present when you are in recovery. As it comes from not having enough nutrition, you need to take care of your diet to get rid of the problem.
Heart-Related Problems Caused by Alcoholism
There are several problems that can arise from drinking alcohol. Many of these issues may not be reversible if the habit has been going on for too long. Moreover, if you had a heart problem before your alcohol addiction started, it may damage the cardiovascular system even more.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that heavy drinking can increase the risk of the following:
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- Heart attack
- Stroke
If you already have these issues, you should seek professional help. Learn what diet will be the best for you in the scenario and follow that. Note that you can get an idea of how much you can improve your heart health after quitting drinking. Be mindful of your diet, sleep schedule, and exercise, and see how much you recover after one year. Then, you can understand your potential for recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Reverse the Effects of Alcohol Abuse?
Most of the effects of alcohol abuse begin to reverse in the first year. Your body heals itself after several months. However, five to seven years of sobriety is generally the length of time for a full psychological and physical recovery.
Alcohol abuse affects the brain significantly—and that’s why patience is needed when you get your life back after you eliminate the lingering effects of alcohol.
How Do I Recover From Alcohol Abuse?
To recover from alcohol abuse, first, you must get and stay sober. You have to be sure that no external factors affect your cravings for alcohol after you have quit. To reverse skin damage, you need to drink a lot of water.
It is also necessary to get a healthy diet, enough exercise, and get proper rest. Since different people may face different issues, you should get professional help, explain everything, and follow their instructions. You must face the truth that some of the damages may be impossible to recover and stay patient.
Recover From Alcohol Abuse Today
Reversing alcohol damage takes a long time. However, recovery is possible. The Retreat of Atlanta is here for you or your loved one. Contact us to begin your recovery from alcohol addiction today.