There can be many negative side effects associated with prolonged alcohol use. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects millions of people across the country, but few people seek treatment. The vast majority of people never get help with their underlying addiction or dependence on alcohol. Continued alcohol abuse can affect both your physical and mental health. Long term effects of AUD include:
- Liver damage
- Cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Dementia
- Seizures
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
The long-term effects of alcohol use can be fatal. Prolonged consumption of large amounts of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and chronic liver disease. AUD also increases the risk of certain kinds of cancers including those associated with the mouth, esophagus, breast and pancreas.
In some cases, damage done to the liver and other organs by prolonged alcohol abuse can be reversed. The best way to stop the negative effects of alcohol is to stop drinking. Understanding what AUD is and how it is treated may be the first step towards sobriety and repairing some of the physical damage done. Committing to sobriety is not an easy task but with the help of a dedicated support system and medical professionals, it can be done. Many times, treatment will consist of counseling such as group and individual therapy as well as a series of medications to help you fight the addiction or dependence on alcohol.