Thomas, like many young adults, started drinking regularly at parties. After a few months, he noticed changes in his mood, concentration and physical appearance, turning this social habit into a health problem.
Olá, it’s Dr Joy!
Today, we explore the impact of alcohol on health and how excessive consumption affects the body and mind, as well as solutions to limit these effects.
I. What is alcohol abuse?
Alcohol abuse is the regular excessive consumption of alcohol in excess of recommended limits. Although it has pleasurable effects in the short term, in the long term it causes health complications. It damages vital organs such as the liver, heart and brain, and aggravates mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
II. The effects of alcohol on the body and mind
a) Physical effects :
- Liver problems: It overloads the liver, leading to diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Cardiovascular damage: It increases the risk of hypertension, stroke and cardiac arrhythmias, which can lead to heart failure.
- Digestive problems: It irritates the stomach, causes gastritis and ulcers, and increases the risk of digestive cancers. Alcohol also disrupts the absorption of essential nutrients.
- Dangers at the wheel: Alcohol impairs reflexes and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, even at low doses.
b) Psychological effects :
- Dependence and addiction: Regular consumption can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it difficult to cut down.
- Anxiety and depression: Although alcohol acts as a tranquilliser, excessive consumption aggravates mental disorders, creating a vicious circle.
- Cognitive disorders: Alcohol abuse impairs memory, concentration and decision-making, which can lead to serious cognitive impairment over the long term.
III. How to manage its effects
Excessive consumption is harmful to physical and mental health. Managing your consumption is essential, by setting limits and having alcohol-free days. This helps to reduce the negative impact while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Understanding the dangers of alcohol is crucial to changing your habits. Setting limits, such as 2 drinks for men and 1 for women, and including alcohol-free days, is recommended. The WHO emphasises that even low levels of regular consumption present risks.
It is also useful to manage stress with healthy practices, such as meditation or sport, rather than alcohol. If drinking becomes difficult to control, consulting a professional can help. Finally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, exercise and good sleep, helps to reduce the urge to drink.
If drinking becomes difficult, consulting a professional and adopting a healthy lifestyle will help reduce the urge to drink.
Excessive consumption can be poisonous to the body and mind. However, by adopting healthy habits and cutting down on consumption, you can preserve your health and improve your well-being.
If you are experiencing difficulties, please ask Alegria to accompany you. Book an appointment now!
This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
You must seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health condition.
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