For the first time, researchers demonstrated in an animal how heavy alcohol use leads to long-term behavioral issues by damaging brain circuits critical for decision-making. Let’s examine some key statistics about the potential psychological conditions related to alcohol consumption that we listed above. Alcohol initially acts like a stimulant by triggering brain receptors to release dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure. However, with continued use, the brain adapts, reducing its natural dopamine production. This can lead to prolonged periods of low mood and difficulty experiencing pleasure without alcohol.

What are the Types of drinkers?

They produce less of the enzyme (called alcohol dehydrogenase, or ADH) that breaks down alcohol. In addition, why is alcohol addicting women tend to have more body fat, which tends to retain alcohol. When you stop drinking, you might notice a range of physical, emotional, or mental health symptoms that ease as soon as you have a drink. Alcohol use can factor into mental health symptoms that closely resemble those of other mental health conditions.

Recovery Programs

We have multiple treatment facilities across the state so that you can seek recovery close to home. If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and services. A successful recovery requires dedication to your chosen treatment method. If you’re unsure what type of treatment would work best for you, you can always talk with a professional for recommendations based on your circumstances. Detoxification is done in a controlled, supervised setting in which medications relieve symptoms.

Physical effects of alcohol addiction on the body

She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019. Jordan developed her clinical approach in various inpatient, hospital, outpatient, and private practice settings. Jordan continued her studies and earned a master’s in clinical and mental health counseling. Between post-graduate work and additional training courses, she honed her skills in treating first responders and military personnel from a trauma-informed perspective. Jordan describes her approach as eclectic but most beneficial and includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and family-oriented practices.

Courtney’s professional experience in substance use treatment began in a holistic residential treatment center. Since then, she has worked across various settings including outpatient, inpatient, and community corrections programs. She is a trauma-informed clinician who prioritizes the relationship between clinician and client. Addiction impacted her own family and influenced her compassionate and empathetic relationship with clients. She believes in healing the whole person in a safe and supportive environment.

• Overcoming psychological addiction to alcohol requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the emotional and mental aspects of addiction.
• She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019.
• When it comes to your beverage of choice, alcoholic beverages are unique.
• In epidemiologic data, we’re talking about, say, 80% to 90% of people who do not achieve a single substance use disorder diagnosis.
• She continued her education at the University of Denver and earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.

Hormones must be released at the right time, to the right tissues in the body. Alcohol can impair both the functions of the glands that release hormones and the tissues to which they are being sent. Drinking heavily can cause a steep rise in blood sugar, to which the pancreas responds by producing insulin to lower the blood sugar. But if it rises too steeply, the resulting overproduction of insulin can actually lead to low blood sugar, a condition called hypoglycaemia. This is especially dangerous for diabetics, especially those taking certain drugs to lower their blood sugar.

• If you’re unsure what type of treatment would work best for you, you can always talk with a professional for recommendations based on your circumstances.
• Heavy drinking is already known to be a possible cause of infertility, but a Danish study found that even small amounts of alcohol can affect fertility 16.
• Alcohol is considered by WHO to be a product with significant addictive potential, just like illicit drugs.
• Contact CATCH Recovery today and take the first step towards a healthier, alcohol-free future.
• Alcohol consumption, particularly when excessive, can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Brain

After doing this for a while, you can begin to resist the urge to drink when you get home at night to slowly build the habit of not drinking. People who binge drink are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and are more likely to act on these than other individuals due to alcohol’s effects, which cause poor judgment and other cognitive impairments. When you’re ready to start treatment, a professional can help you determine what treatment option is best suited to your individual Oxford House needs. A personalized treatment program will increase your chances for a successful recovery. Some of these signs overlap with hangover symptoms, such as headaches and body aches. Drinking alcohol can make depression symptoms worse the following day as the body tries to recover from a hangover.