What Are the Long-Term Health Implications of Alcoholism?
Drinking has been a part of many societies for thousands of years, and it is not going away anytime soon; it is an accepted vice. Most of us know the harm it can do, yet the pervasive nature of alcohol and alcoholism makes it a complex issue.
From the perspective of healthcare, alcoholism is a chronic issue. In individuals, it is classified by the National Institute of Health as a leading cause of liver disease alongside increases in the risk of stroke, depression, heart disease, ulcers, cancer, and many others. For the people caring for or living with alcoholics, the mental health impacts are huge.
Social and Behavioral Consequences
The unfortunate reality is that alcoholism rarely affects only one person; the knock-on effect on family and the care structures supporting those affected is demanding. Healthcare professionals, such as those qualified with online forensic nursing programs, unfortunately, know all too well that alcoholism can have far-reaching consequences for both the person suffering and those around them.
Physical Health Implications
Liver damage is perhaps the most well-known disorder when it comes to chronic alcoholism. Health conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis can ultimately result in liver failure. And when acute liver failure becomes irreversible, the only cure is a transplant, which is incredibly hard to come by.
Kidney damage is another common health concern associated with chronic alcoholism. The kidneys are all about balancing out what is in your blood, and alcohol can disrupt this balance, therefore disrupting the kidneys’ ability to balance fluids and electrolytes, leading to conditions like hyponatremia and chronic kidney disease.
Over time, heavy drinking can impair kidney function, increasing the risk of kidney failure. This damage affects the body’s ability to filter waste and regulate blood pressure while at the same time putting immense strain on the cardiovascular system, exponentially increasing the risk of heart issues. Just like liver failure, advanced kidney damage may require a transplant or regular dialysis, which is incredibly expensive, costing Medicare approximately 93,200 per patient every year and privately from 50,000 to 80,000.
Mental Health Implications
Chronic alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been associated with poor mental health outcomes on almost every metric: long-term AUD in those with underlying depression, anxiety, bipolar, and other disorders increases the severity of symptoms and drastically reduces the likelihood of more severe episodes for bipolar and depression while increasing the risk of suicide.
Luckily, AUD itself is classed as a psychiatric disorder in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). This has led to an improved rate of detection and increased likelihood of treatment as more people see mental health professionals for depression, anxiety, and other issues are more likely to receive treatment for AUD.
For Health workers, whether in the mental health field or not, it can be helpful to know some of the diagnostic criteria and telltale signs that you are likely dealing with AUD.
Long-Term Recovery Challenges
The road to recovery may be long and demanding, but many have walked on it before. Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or AA can be found in thousands of locations around the world. AA’s structured 12-step approach can be very helpful for recovery, especially alongside treatment for physical symptoms. Other programs that build a supportive community are common and easy to access. However, the path to sobriety is often fraught with setbacks.
Relapse is a persistent risk, particularly in environments that trigger old habits or during times of stress. The stigma surrounding alcoholism can also make it difficult for people to seek help, which complicates the recovery process. Support systems have been shown to help chances of successful recovery; ongoing counseling, therapy, and peer support play significant roles in maintaining long-term sobriety. For healthcare professionals, understanding the nuances of these challenges is essential in providing effective, empathetic care to those struggling.
The Future of Treatment
The sad fact is that alcohol use problems are not going away anytime soon; alcohol has been part and parcel of human life for so long that it has become engrained, and many will continue to fall victim to abuse. Luckily, new treatments are improving, drugs like Naltrexone and disulfiram (Antabuse) are easier to come by and offer viable short-term solutions. Semaglutide-based weight loss drugs like Ozempic may even offer a solution.
***Please note, this article is not medical advice; if you or someone you care for are suffering, please contact your GP or one of the many helplines for advice.
