According to a new study, women are drinking virtually the same amount of alcohol that men are. Historically, men were twice as likely to drink and more than three times as likely to acquire alcohol-related issues compared to women in the early 20th century. So what does this mean? It means that it’s a perfect time to talk about alcohol-related health. Read on for information on how alcohol can seriously affect your body.
The Stats Today
The study analyzed millions of people across North America and Europe to determine that men were only 1.1 times more likely to drink in comparison to women and only 1.3 times more likely to consume in a problematic way. So if you thought you only had to be concerned about alcohol consumption for your male peers, then you are sadly mistaken. Women: you could being suffering from alcohol abuse as well.
Alcohol And The Body
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking in excess on a single occasion or over time can result in serious health issues affecting your brain, heart, liver, pancreas, immune system, and can even cause cancer.
Brain: Alcohol affects the brain’s communication pathways, making it harder for you to see, think, behave, and move. Mood changes are also a common side effect. In the moment, you could seriously hurt yourself, so drink with extreme caution.
Heart: Drinking much over a long time or a single occasion can lead to Cardiomyopathy (stretching and drooping of heart muscle), Arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), Stroke, and High blood pressure.
Liver: Your liver suffers great consequences from alcohol consumption/abuse. Liver problems and inflammations are often seen in the form of: Steatosis (fatty live), Alcoholic hepatitis, Fibrosis, or Cirrhosis. Remember that you only have one liver.
Pancreas: Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic elements that will end in pancreatitis. This is a dangerous swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels, which prevents proper digestion.
Immune System: Your immune system can be weakened as a result of alcohol consumption and make you more susceptible to disease. You’re more likely to contract pneumonia and tuberculosis. Binge drinking on a one occasion can leave your immune system susceptible to infections for up to 24 hours.
Cancer: Drinking in excess can even lead to cancers of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breast.
Resources For You
If you think that you or a friend is struggling with alcohol consumption, then you should seek serious help before it infringes upon their long-term health. A couple nights out at the bar can quickly spiral into a lifetime of issues both health and social related. Don’t strain your relationships and body just for a few spurts of fun.
Also, know that there are readily available resources that can help you combat alcohol-related issues. There are support groups, online resources, people readily available to speak to you, and much more.
Whether you’re a female or male, you must seek help if you think you’re suffering from alcohol addiction. Save your body and life now before it’s too late! Check out these resources if you’re ready to make an important change. You can do it!