Most adults around the world have consumed alcohol at some point. It is estimated close to 87% of the American adult population has had at least one drink in their lifetime. Alcohol is a legal addictive substance available to anyone over the age of 21.
Many people are able to drink without serious issues, however, for those who can’t, the consequences are serious. Let’s take a look at some of the dangers of alcohol, including alcohol withdrawal and alcohol poisoning.
Dangers of Alcohol
Alcohol has many negative effects and can easily claim the lives of its users. Below are some of the risks that an alcoholic can face:
- Health Issues – Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk for liver diseases, heart disease, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, stomach bleeding and other behavior-related health risks including sexually transmitted diseases.
- Injuries – Drinking too much alcohol puts you at risk of injury because of impaired motor skills, depth-perception, blurred vision, and impaired balance. Alcohol is responsible for more than 60% of burns and 40% of road fatalities in the USA.
- Birth Defects – For mothers, drinking during pregnancy can cause brain damage and other serious issues for the baby like fetal-alcohol syndrome.
- Alcohol Use Disorders – Alcohol Use Disorder is a condition diagnosed by a professional when there are adverse effects and drinking causes distress and harm.
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol Poisoning is a serious problem and is sometimes deadly. Alcohol poisoning is caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol within a short period of time. Drinking too much, at a fast pace, will affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and gag reflex which has the potential to lead to a coma, and possibly death.
Alcohol poisoning may also be caused by consuming household items that contain alcohol such as mouthwash and hand sanitizer.
Some symptoms of alcohol poisoning are confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, irregular breathing, pale skin, low body temperature, and passing out. It is advised to call emergency help immediately when you think someone may have alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol Withdrawal
It is a little-known fact that alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous. Because it is readily available and socially acceptable, people don’t realize it is a dangerous process when alcohol is leaving your body.
For a chronic alcoholic especially, it is always recommended to seek medical treatment when coming off alcohol. It is one of the few withdrawal processes that can be deadly because of medical complications and seizures related to alcohol withdrawal.