Life can be full of hardships that leave us feeling lost and unsure of how to move forward. These challenges can be overwhelming and complicated, whether caused by job issues, financial struggles, substance use and/or relationship problems. Unfortunately, not being educated on available resources or successful coping mechanisms can lead to increasingly harmful hardships like addiction. Several reports state that the most common addiction in the U.S. is alcohol.
People who struggle with drinking often do so to escape their problems or numb their emotions. Although alcohol may bring momentary satisfaction, it can cause harmful side effects in the long run. With April being Alcohol Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to increase awareness of addiction, those struggling with addiction and help prevent addiction from happening.
It’s essential to recognize the damage of alcohol misuse and abuse causes. Here are just a few of the potential side effects:
- High Blood Pressure: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Stroke: Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of stroke by damaging the blood vessels in the brain.
- Weak Immune System: Drinking alcohol weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections.
- Liver Disease: Alcohol is processed in the liver, and excessive drinking can cause liver damage or even liver failure.
- Cancer: Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, seeking help is crucial. Many resources include addiction treatment programs, therapy, and support groups. These programs can provide the necessary tools and support to help individuals overcome addiction and live healthy, fulfilling life.
It’s essential to understand that recovery is a journey and not always easy. There may be setbacks and challenges along the way, but with the proper support, recovery is possible. Working together can help prevent addiction and support those needing recovery.
To learn more, please call 844.599.3700 today and ask to speak with our Peer Recovery Support Specialist
