The dangers of alcoholic beverages for health have been widely reported. If consumed excessively 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 consume alcoholic beverages to feel calmer or to sleep better. 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 slot gacor maxwin limit for adult consumption of alcoholic beverages is 1-2 glasses for men and 1 glass for women per day. If consumed beyond this limit, the dangers of alcoholic beverages can cause various health problems, especially liver damage.
The Dangers of Alcoholic Drinks and the Diseases They Cause
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 each year from alcoholic beverages, either due to the direct effects of alcohol or the diseases it causes.
In addition to increasing the risk of death, alcohol addiction can also damage the liver. This organ functions to help the process of digesting food, neutralizing toxins in the blood, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, helping the blood clotting process, and producing hormones.
People who are addicted to alcohol are at high risk of experiencing liver dysfunction due to liver disease. Not only that, the dangers of alcoholic beverages will also increase the risk of low eosinophils and various other health problems.
The following are some diseases that can arise from consuming too much alcoholic beverage:
- Fatty liver
Fatty liver is a buildup of fat in the liver caused by excessive or frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages. Generally, symptoms of fatty liver are not felt by sufferers. However, this disease can develop into liver inflammation (hepatitis).
Fatty liver can be cured by stopping drinking alcohol, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight.
- Hepatitis
Hepatitis is more serious than fatty liver. When the liver is filled with 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 stop drinking alcohol completely. However, if it is severe, this condition can cause permanent liver damage.
- Cirrhosis
The worst condition that you can experience due to continuous consumption of alcoholic beverages is cirrhosis. This disease occurs when the liver is severely damaged and hardened because it is filled with scar tissue. When the liver experiences cirrhosis, liver function will be disrupted.
Unlike fatty liver and hepatitis, cirrhosis cannot be cured. However, by quitting drinking alcohol, you can prevent further liver damage. People with cirrhosis usually need a liver transplant to survive.
- Cancer
The dangers of long-term alcohol consumption can cause various types of cancer, especially liver cancer. In addition to liver cancer, alcohol can also increase the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, oral cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
- Anemia
Anemia is a condition when the body lacks red blood cells. When you consume too much alcohol, 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 often consume alcohol are also at high risk of experiencing liver dysfunction, making their bodies more prone to bleeding. This can also be a cause of anemia in people who are addicted to alcohol.
- Digestive system disorders
Another danger of alcoholic beverages is that they can cause digestive system disorders, such as stomach ulcers and pancreatitis. People who consume alcoholic beverages too often are also more susceptible to malnutrition, because their digestive tract cannot digest and absorb nutrients properly.
In addition to the various diseases above, the dangers of alcoholic drinks 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 ketoacidosis
Alcoholic beverages weaken the immune system. If consumed by pregnant women, alcoholic beverages can cause the fetus to experience genetic abnormalities, birth defects, developmental disorders, or premature birth. Not only that, alcohol consumption during pregnancy also triggers beriberi disease.
In addition, driving under the influence of alcohol is also very risky to cause accidents. In this case, the dangers of alcoholic beverages do not only affect the person who consumes them, but also others.
How to Deal with Alcohol Addiction
The best way to overcome alcohol addiction is to prevent it. When drinking alcohol, limit your consumption to no more than 1-2 drinks per day.
If you already feel addicted or have difficulty stopping drinking alcohol, you should consult a doctor for medical help.
Here are some ways you can do to deal with alcohol addiction:
Changing lifestyle
Adopt a healthy lifestyle and look for activities that can distract you from your desire to consume alcoholic beverages, such as pursuing hobbies, exercising, participating in social activities, or gathering with family.
Taking medication from a doctor
Certain medications, such as disulfiram, can suppress your desire to drink alcohol. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications, such as naltrexone or acamprosate, which also work to reduce your desire to drink alcohol.
Undergoing psychotherapy and counseling
People who are addicted to alcohol are at high risk of experiencing various mental disorders. If you have difficulty quitting alcohol and experience psychological problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, or insomnia, your doctor will recommend that you undergo psychotherapy and counseling.
If your alcohol addiction is severe, your doctor will recommend that you undergo a rehabilitation program, especially if you also have other addiction problems, such as drug addiction.
The decision to quit alcohol may not be easy. However, you also need to consider the various dangers of alcoholic beverages that you can experience if you continue to consume them.
If you have difficulty quitting alcohol or experience certain health problems due to consuming too much alcohol, consult a doctor for treatment.