Many people don’t realize that alcohol is the most commonly used drug on the planet. Yes, alcohol is a drug, even though it may be legal for most people. It is an intoxicating substance that causes negative changes to the mind and body. Even minimal alcohol use can have negative physical effects on the body.
Better Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Millions of people struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) every day. This includes people in the U.S. and around the world. Yet, many people are still under the misconception that AUD is some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is a fallacy. AUD is a disease.
Diseases like AUD are some of the most destructive diseases in the world. AUD is as common as other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Yet, unlike some other chronic diseases, AUD is both preventable and treatable.
AUD is also a “family disease.” Many people ask, “How can an entire family have a disease?” What this means is that addiction affects more than just the individual who is struggling. This is why many people refer to addiction as “a tornado that destroys everyone and everything in its path,” and this includes relationships with close friends and family. However, it is often these close friends and family members that have the greatest chance of getting their loved ones the help they need. The key is to know the signs and symptoms to watch for.
The Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
The signs and symptoms of AUD (also co-occurring disorders) are always going to vary based on the individual. However, you can watch for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those symptoms:
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Not being able to stop once starting drinking
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Excessive mood swings
- Isolation from family and close friends
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Suicidal ideations
Many people can minimize AUD or falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as you can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and sometimes deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could be the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.
The Negative Physical Effects of Even Minimal Alcohol Use
There are also many negative physical effects specific to AUD. However, one does not need to be addicted to experience the negative physical side effects of drinking. Physical side effects can occur even from minimal alcohol use. The following are just a few of those physical effects:
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Urinary problems
- Excessive vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Extreme headaches and “hangovers”
- Decreased motor skills
- Extreme fluctuations in weight (including extreme weight gain and weight loss)
- Poor circulation
- Reduced desire to exercise (which leads to other issues)
- Excessive sweating
- Otherwise unexplained body aches and joint pain
As one can see, there are many uncomfortable physical consequences of even minimal or moderate alcohol use. The good news is that there are many effective ways to stop using alcohol altogether.
How to Get Past the Negative Effects of Even Minimal Alcohol Use
One of the best ways to get past the negative effects of even minimal alcohol use is to get out into nature. This is where nature immersion therapy can be useful.
Nature has been proven to help with many addictions, mental health issues, and stressful situations. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “As a result of these stressful situations, nature therapy, a health-promotion method that uses medically proven effects, such as relaxation by exposure to natural stimuli from forests, urban green spaces, plants, and natural wooden materials, is receiving increasing attention. It is empirically known that exposure to stimuli from natural sources induces a state of hyperawareness and hyperactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system that renders a person in a state of relaxation. This state becomes progressively recognized as the normal state that a person should be in and feel comfortable.”
There are also many other restorative options for those feeling negative physical effects from even minimal alcohol use. These options include yoga therapy, surf therapy, acupuncture, and mindfulness meditation. The key is to find the right combination of modalities that work for you.
Our Primary Purpose at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, our primary purpose is to help you recover by any means necessary. That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Recovery is waiting. It’s time to go out there and get it! We can help.
Many people don’t realize that even a little bit of alcohol use over time can be damaging. Also, many people often don’t realize that they are susceptible to addiction before it is too late. The good news is that regardless of the level of addiction or struggle, there are many effective modalities for recovery. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about the dangers of alcohol use, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
