In the United States, alcohol is legal and readily available to anyone over 21. People drink to celebrate, relax, and socialize, meaning that the presence and use of alcohol are normalized in our society. Moderate drinking poses no significant issues. But how do you know if your alcohol use has entered the realm of abuse? There’s no hard and fast formula for this, but there are guidelines for gauging what’s considered heavy drinking vs. moderate use of alcohol.
Men have specific warning signs, reasons for drinking, and health risks around alcohol. If you’re a man who thinks that your alcohol use has become a problem, enrolling in our men’s alcohol rehab at The Right Step Houston is an excellent way to begin your recovery.
What is considered heavy drinking?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among other agencies and organizations focusing on human health and wellness, has clear guidelines regarding heavy drinking. For individuals under 21 or pregnant women, any alcohol consumption is deemed excessive. For adult men, consuming five or more drinks in a single occasion—whether at a party, out with friends, or even while watching TV—falls squarely within the category of heavy drinking, commonly known as binge drinking. Another benchmark for men is 15 or more drinks in a week.1
In addition to quantity and gender, certain other factors play into intoxication levels, including:
- How fast you drink
- What you weigh
- How much you’ve eaten
- Your stress or anxiety levels, which can affect metabolism
One way to think about where you fall in the moderate-to-excessive scale for alcohol consumption is to ask yourself how you feel. Do you experience the consequences of drinking? Do you wake up with headaches, exhaustion, or nausea? Do you think much about when, where, and how you’ll have your next drink? If you’re asking yourself what constitutes heavy drinking, you may already have identified a problem.
Long-term effects of alcohol in men
Because of certain physiological and anatomical differences between biological men and women, there are specific long-term risk factors faced by men who drink heavily.
Over time, excessive alcohol use in men can lead to liver disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. It can affect testosterone levels, fertility, and mental health, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about alcohol use and seeking help when needed.
Brain and central nervous system
Alcohol, like all psychotropic drugs, interacts in the brain and disrupts thinking, mood, coordination, and behavior. Long-term alcohol abuse increases the risk of stroke.
Cardiovascular system
Heavy drinking can damage the heart muscle and create cardiac health concerns, including:
- Arrhythmia: Irregular heartbeat
- Cardiomyopathy: Damage to the heart muscle
- Hypertension: High blood pressure
Pancreatic damage
In the pancreas, alcohol triggers the production of toxic byproducts such as fatty acid ethyl esters, which can lead to inflammation and pancreatitis.
Liver damage
Liquor is metabolized in the liver and can affect this vital organ’s health. Possible liver problems include:
- Fatty liver
- Fibrosis
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
Erectile dysfunction and diminished libido
Effects of alcohol in the central nervous system can reduce blood flow to the penis, affecting the ability to get and keep an erection. Liver damage reduces testosterone production and increases estrogen levels in men, which can also lead to erectile dysfunction and lowered sex drive.
Gastrointestinal risks
Heavy drinking can affect the gut biome, leading to leaky gut and microbial dysbiosis. The results may be:
- Inflammation
- Diarrhea, constipation, and bloating
- Certain systemic gastrointestinal diseases
Bone health
Protracted heavy drinking affects bone density, resulting in a higher risk of breaks and poor healing from breaks.
Certain cancers
Alcohol-linked cancers in men include:
- Oral cavity
- Larynx and pharynx
- Esophagus
- Liver
- Colon
The overall long-term effects of alcohol in men include a compromised immune system. Heavy drinking can lead to people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) becoming more vulnerable to illness. If you’re also a smoker or misuse other drugs in addition to alcohol, your risks increase.
Connect with The Right Step Houston today and get started on men’s alcohol rehab
In our men’s rehab program, you’ll be supported and held accountable by other men who, like you, are seeking to leave alcohol behind. You’ll focus on your recovery in a nonjudgmental setting with few distractions. Men’s rehab offers improved outcomes over the long term.
We want to offer you the help you deserve. Call 1.844.768.0169 today or submit our online form. We look forward to connecting with you.
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