Person feeling the long-term effects of alcohol abuse

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol plays a significant role in life for millions of Americans, often over many years. But while it’s common, the problems that come with drinking aren’t always addressed. Long-term alcohol use can seriously impact health and well-being. From the moment it enters your body, alcohol affects your brain, central nervous system (CNS), and organs. Over time, heavy drinking can damage the heart, liver, digestive system, kidneys, and more, leading to severe, sometimes irreversible health issues.

At The Right Step Houston, we support those struggling with alcohol use. Taking care of yourself and talking openly about alcohol’s impact are important steps—you’re never alone in working toward a healthier future. Seeking help through resources like our Houston alcohol rehab can be a vital step toward recovery. Call 1.844.768.0169 to learn more.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol contributes to a wide range of problems that affect individuals and everyone around them.

Injuries and Fatalities

Alcohol contributes to a wide range of injuries and fatalities—including car accidents, drownings, abuse, sexual assault, and physical violence. In 2022 alone, alcohol-impaired driving was responsible for 13,524 deaths, accounting for 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.1 Furthermore, not everyone involved in a fatal accident has alcohol use disorder (AUD). Sometimes, it’s just one moment of drinking too much that leads to a heartbreaking event with lasting consequences.

Health Problems

Alcohol can have a significant impact on our health, contributing to over 200 health conditions and more than 178,000 deaths each year in the U.S. It’s one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Its effects can take a toll on many body parts, reminding us of the importance of being mindful about how much we drink.2

Some of the most common long-term effects of alcohol include:

  • Liver disease
  • Cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Heart disease
  • Brain damage
  • Stomach ulcers

Chronic heavy drinking can seriously harm your health, impacting your heart, nerves, immune system, and mental health with issues like depression and anxiety. It can also cause conditions like osteoporosis. Some of these effects are irreversible and may require significant medical care.

Financial Problems

Over time, alcohol use can cost thousands of dollars. For those struggling with addiction, financial priorities often take a backseat, leading to challenges like losing a job, home, or savings. The effects can be overwhelming, but recovery is possible. Rebuilding finances takes time, but a fresh start is within reach with the proper support.

Lifelong Addiction

Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to addiction. Recovering from addiction is a lifelong journey, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Relapse doesn’t mean failure—it’s part of recovery.

Alcohol addiction can also bring challenges like mental health issues or other addictions, making recovery more complicated. The longer someone has been drinking, the more challenging it can be to stop, but every small step forward counts.

How Can Alcohol Rehab Help?

Recovering from alcoholism is a lifelong journey, and it’s not something most people do alone. Support and alcohol addiction treatment makes all the difference. Whether through a sober living home, therapy, mentorship, or a support group, there are many ways to heal after rehab. Many find strength in 12-step programs, staying involved for years or even a lifetime. Recovery is about taking it one day at a time and finding support.

Start Your Path to Recovery at The Right Step Houston

No matter how long you’ve been drinking, it’s never too late to make a change. At The Right Step Houston, we’re here to support you with personalized care and understanding. Our alcohol addiction treatment programs can help you take that first step toward recovery and a healthier future. Ready to start your journey? Call 1.844.768.0169 or contact our team online—we’re here to help.

Footnotes:

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol’s Effects on Health – Alcohol-Related Emergencies and Deaths in the United States
  2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – The Healthcare Professional’s Core Resource on Alcohol – Medical Complications: Common Alcohol-Related Concerns
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