Alcohol addiction is very common—almost as prevalent as alcohol itself. But while alcohol is a widely available, legal, and socially acceptable substance, it can have serious detrimental effects on your physical and mental health. If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, an alcohol addiction treatment program can help you heal.
The effects that alcohol addiction can have range from relatively short-term consequences to more substantial permanent cognitive damage. Heavy and long-term use can have significant impacts on a person’s memory and overall health. Call Virtues Behavioral Health at 855.579.8599 for a welcoming environment and highly effective alcohol addiction treatment center in California.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Intoxication is the result of short-term use of alcohol and can have differing effects on different people. Several factors come into play when discussing the short term effects of alcohol on the brain, such as:
- Frequency of drinking
- Amount of drinking
- Unique physiology
- Bodyweight
These factors taken into conjunction can have almost immediate effects on the brain’s communication center and information pathways. That is when slurred speech and decreased motor control are noticeable. Consuming too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, a potentially deadly side effect. The signs of alcohol poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Heart rate slowing
- Permanent cognitive impairment
- Death
If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, call 911. If heavy drinking continues after dangerous physical experiences like alcohol poisoning, we see the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
Drinking heavily over an extended period of time increases the risk of developing long-term negative health effects. These effects include:
- Mood and sleep issues
- Exacerbation or cause of other mental health disorders
- Shrinkage of the hippocampus (the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning)
- Long-term alcohol abuse can also lead to a condition called “wet brain”
Wet brain results from thiamine deficiency due to poor nutrition. The condition can permanently affect coordination, confusion, eye movement disturbances (balance), and learning and memory.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek alcohol treatment in California for your loved one.
Is It Time to Consider Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
It can be difficult to face the fact you may need alcohol treatment or perhaps should attend an alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles. It can be just as hard for some to know when alcohol consumption has become an addiction with its availability and acceptance. Some signs enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment center in California could be helpful for you are:
- You experience withdrawal symptoms
- You have a hard time maintaining responsibilities at school or work
- Alcohol use has had a significant financial impact on your life
- You continue to drink, despite experiencing adverse mental and physical effects
There are other factors to consider, such as your alcohol use’s effects on your relationships, increasing tolerance, and fixation on drinking. Any of these can be reason enough to seek the benefit of support and targeted therapy.
Targeted Therapy for Your Body and Mind
While your alcohol addiction treatment in California should meet your specific needs, some of the general therapies you may encounter are:
- Life skills training
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Relapse prevention training
- Nutrition and exercise
Whatever your individual needs may be, it is possible to find the right treatment for your recovery and well-being. It is never too late to seek the benefits of an alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles.
Connect With an Alcohol Rehab Center in Los Angeles at Virtues Behavioral Health
We are here to help you on your journey to recovery. Our recovery center welcomes couples, members of the LGBTQ community, and veterans. Contact Virtues Behavioral Health today at 855.579.8599 to find out more.
