Excessive consumption of alcohol may have potentially serious health consequences. Additionally, over time, drinking large amounts of beer, wine, or liquor can prematurely age the body. More specifically, individuals who have an alcohol use disorder may look older than they are and start experiencing age-related medical issues while young.
Promises Behavioral Health provides comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment and support. Our team of highly trained experts specializes in the assessment and treatment of alcohol dependency. Reach out to us at 844.875.5609 to learn more about how alcohol ages you and what we can do to help you reclaim your life.
How Alcohol Ages You
While moderate alcohol consumption can provide some health benefits, heavy drinking may lead to premature aging internally and externally. If you’ve ever wondered how drinking ages you, it can have the following effects:
Complexion Changes
Alcohol reduces collagen and elastin production, leaving the skin duller, wrinkled, and aged beyond one’s years. Beer, wine, and liquor also increase inflammation and disrupt lipid production. As a result, the skin may look dry and wrinkled, similar to sun damage. In addition, alcohol dehydrates the body, meaning it draws moisture away from the skin cells, leading to dullness and sagging.
Medical Problems
Besides its effects on the skin, heavy drinking may affect internal organs. Prolonged over-consumption of alcohol leads to fatty liver disease, a significant cause of illness and death worldwide. Meanwhile, chronic use of alcohol can lead to inflammation of the kidneys and a need for premature dialysis.
Poor Nutrition
Moreover, heavy drinking often leads to poor nutrition due to an inadequate intake of essential vitamins and nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, for instance, can contribute to symptoms associated with aging, such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Furthermore, alcoholism increases inflammation-related stress hormones and hastens cellular damage over time.
Bone Loss
Finally, excessive drinking diminishes bone mass density by impeding cell growth. This decrease in bone mineral density often leads to osteoporosis, which increases fragility in bones and is a common signifier of early aging.
Overall, when consumed regularly in high quantities, alcohol ages the body faster than natural processes allow. It may alarm you to know precisely how drinking ages you. Fortunately, professional help may prevent these effects and other potentially harmful complications.
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction treatment can stop early aging in several ways. First and foremost, abstaining from drinking reduces oxidative stress and inflammation associated with age-related skin and health issues. Ceasing alcohol use may also prevent cell damage that leads to premature aging.
When an individual enters into an alcoholism treatment program, they receive comprehensive support. A typical care plan includes:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- 12-step programs
- Medications that reduce cravings and prevent relapse
Treatment helps individuals learn how to cope without turning to alcohol to deal with their issues and negative emotions. Receiving this type of guidance also helps people understand the importance of making healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating balanced meals, and getting proper rest.
Reach Out to Promises for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Knowing how alcohol ages you, you don’t have to let drinking control your life. Promises Behavioral Health has the resources to help you through every step of your journey toward sobriety. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs based on evidence-based practices and proven therapeutic interventions.
At Promises Behavioral Health, we offer personalized and comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment. Our team of experts helps clients overcome struggles and find the best path toward sustained recovery. Take back control today by contacting us at 844.875.5609 or completing our brief online form.