Alcohol addiction causes serious problems in 6 different areas in the body.
It primarily affects the gastrointestinal system (GIS), which carries out the alcohol absorption and excretion processes.
1-It affects the gastrointestinal system (GIS). In the initial stages, fatty tissue, growth, and enzyme increases are observed in the liver. This stage is reversible. In the following processes, it turns into Alcoholic Hepatitis, Hepatic Cirrhosis and fibrosis. This is an irreversible stage and ends with the need for liver transplantation. The second biggest effect on GIS is the effects on the esophagus and stomach. Esophagitis, gastritis, gastric ulcer, esophageal variceal bleeding, stomach bleeding, pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency and especially vitamin B deficiency are observed due to impaired vitamin absorption from the stomach.
2-Due to the toxic effect of alcohol on the brain, especially memory is severely damaged. . Forgetfulness, neuropathy, aggression, Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome in later stages, psychotic symptoms (seeing insects, delusions and other hallucinations) and early dementia due to neurotoxicity are observed.
3-Bone Marrow is another area affected by alcohol. Due to bone marrow suppression, there is a serious decrease in blood platelet cells (cells that enable clotting and prevent bleeding), resulting in bleeding problems, thus GIT, esophageal and stomach problems become more complex and difficult with bleeding problems. Damage to the bone marrow plays a major role in unstoppable ulcer bleeding and varicose vein bleeding.
4-Negative effects on metabolism; It increases blood pressure (Hypertension), disrupts blood-fat metabolism and causes increase in bad cholesterol and fats in the blood. Consequently, the risk of heart attack and cerebrovascular diseases (such as stroke) increases. Babies with small head diameters called FAS, facial and brain malformations, lip and heart defects may be born due to alcohol use during pregnancy.
5-Sexual dysfunction, especially in men, sexual dysfunction due to decreased testosterone hormone, breast enlargement and sexual reluctance is observed, similar effects are also seen in women due to the decrease in estrodiol and FSH.
6-Psychological side effects: depression and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia, cognitive disorders are very common.
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Alcohol Addiction, which has such serious physical, psychological and social side effects, is a treatable condition. Treatment has three steps. Medical-Pharmacological Treatment, Psychological-Psychotherapeutic Treatment, Social Support Treatment. Various studies show that physicians recommending alcohol-dependent patients to reduce or stop drinking and then asking questions about their alcohol use at each interview reduces the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption by 30-40%. Addiction is a condition that can be controlled, just like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart diseases, but it is not a condition that can be completely restored by giving a medication. The positive effects of social support groups on treatment have been scientifically proven. Alcohol Addiction is not a disease that can be controlled alone, so social and psychological treatment is as important and effective as pharmacological treatment.
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