05/06/2015
While liver damage is one of the most commonly recognized effects of consuming too much alcohol, other organs are negatively impacted as well, reveals Chapters Capistrano.
Many people feel the immediate effects of alcohol, but tend to overlook how it affects their body as a whole. The short term rewards they receive can be outweighed by the lingering effects and harm they are causing internally. A recent article in the Las Vegas Sun sheds light on how alcohol is metabolized and makes its way through the various organs. Chapters Capistrano has released a statement to the press regarding the impact of alcohol on the body and the importance of seeking treatment in the event of alcoholism.
“With alcohol, the damage that it causes is not necessarily visible,” says Mike Shea, founder of the luxury drug and alcohol rehab center in Orange County. “You can’t see the fatty deposits building in your liver or the increase in blood pressure and added strain it puts on your heart. Alcohol affects multiple organs in the body.”
One fact that many people may not realize is that the liver metabolizes alcohol at a certain rate. This rate does not change dependent on much alcohol they have consumed. Just because they have consumed more drinks does not mean that their liver will work more quickly to metabolize the alcohol. It can also take time to feel the effects of alcohol depending on how much the person has eaten. This delay can lead them to drink more because they are feeling fine and not really intoxicated.
“Alcohol also affects the way the brain works,” notes Shea. “It actually suppresses the central nervous system and slows down how quickly the brain processes information. In addition, dopamine levels increase. A little bit of alcohol can make you feel relaxed and calm, but too much can lead to unconsciousness. You may not realize how much you are drinking until it’s too late.”
A few other effects the article highlights are increased blood pressure, risk of heart disease, and aggravation of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another danger is dehydration. Add to this the summer heat and it can be a dangerous combination. According to Dr. Clarence Dunagan, MD, FACEP, medical director of emergency services at Mountain View Hospital and Fremont Emergency Services, “We used to think we could use IV fluids on really intoxicated patients to help sober them up, but it doesn’t work that way. IV fluids make patients feel better because it hydrates them, but they still have to metabolize the liquor at whatever rate the liver is able to.”
“Alcohol puts strain on your body from multiple aspects,” says Shea. “You want to make sure that if you’re drinking, you are getting plenty of water to stay hydrated and really watching how much alcohol you consume. If you find that you’re regularly drinking heavily or binge drinking, seeking treatment from an alcohol rehab center can help you to safely and effectively overcome these issues and promote better health. You only get one body and one life, so you want to protect it and treat it well.” Chapters Capistrano offers customized treatment programs that fit with your needs and can help you to turn your life around. It’s not too late to change, adds Shea.
