Chronic Alcohol Use: The Risks of Drinking Too Much

Chronic alcohol use does not necessarily make you an alcoholic, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Nor does it always lead to addiction. Nevertheless, it can harm you in many ways, both physically and mentally, cause damage to your brain and other organs, and create social problems.

In addition, chronic alcohol use can lead to a condition known as tolerance, in which it takes more and more alcohol to produce the same effects. Your body may begin to rely on alcohol to be able to function, increasing your risk of developing alcohol use disorder.

How Chronic Alcohol Use Can Affect Your Body

Liver Damage Alcohol is a toxin that gets flushed out by your liver, but when you regularly drink large quantities of it, your liver may not be able to keep up. Long-term heavy use of alcohol can kill liver cells and lead to cirrhosis, which is the result of scarring, as well as fatty liver disease, which prevents your liver from working the way it should.

Cardiovascular Issues Chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of high cholesterol and blood clots. It can also make it harder for blood to get pumped to your heart, which can result in heart disease and problems such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and stroke.

Brain and Nervous System Chronic alcohol use can disrupt your brain’s communication pathways, making it harder for you to think and speak clearly. It can also affect your memory and your ability to move in a coordinated way.

Pancreas Excessive use of alcohol can cause your pancreas to produce toxins that lead to pancreatitis and impair its ability to produce the necessary enzymes and hormones for proper digestion.

Cancer Alcohol is a known chemical carcinogen. Chronic alcohol use can damage the cells in your mouth, throat, and esophagus and increase your risk of developing several types of cancer.

Alcohol Poisoning Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time can lead to alcohol poisoning, which is an excess of alcohol in your bloodstream that causes the life-supporting areas of your brain that control your breathing, heart rate, and temperature to shut down

Mental Health Issues Chronic alcohol use can disrupt your body’s stress regulation system, increasing your risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and dementia.

Three Red Flags That Your Chronic Alcohol Use is Excessive

• You use alcohol to de-stress. You find yourself reaching for a drink whenever you feel low or on edge and may feel unable to relax without it.
• You regularly drink large amounts of alcohol even when you are alone.
• Everything you do seems to revolve around drinking, and you can’t imagine having a good time without it. You may start thinking about having one as soon as you get up, or look forward to drinking after work, and are always suggesting social activities that involve alcohol.

What The Bible Says About Drinking Alcohol

The Bible does not forbid Christians from drinking. However, it does condemn getting drunk and commands us not to drink to the point where it clouds our judgment and causes us to lose control.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. – Ephesians 5:18, ESV

Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them! – Isaiah 5:11, ESV

Christian Counseling Near Valencia, California

If you have questions or would like to set up a risk-free appointment to meet with one of the faith-based counselors in Valencia, California, please give us a call at Valencia Christian Counseling.