Many people find themselves asking is alcohol a drug or simply a recreationally acceptable form of entertainment? As possibly the world’s most acceptable drug, people frequently discount the dangers of alcohol.
Yet, even the dictionary defines a drug as something that alters the brain chemistry and causes dependency. At the very least, a person can experience a marked change in their behavior and thought process. The definition concludes that a drug is often an illegal substance. Since alcohol is legal, many would dismiss the physical and mental changes that it causes.
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Is Alcohol a Drug That Causes Health Problems?
Health problems that a person may experience from alcohol abuse can vary. Nevertheless, the severity of these problems raises great concern. Heavy use often directly affects a person’s brain function.
Excessive consumption of alcohol can also induce mental disorders. Some common mental health issues that regular drinkers may experience include:
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Mood
- Psychotic
- Sleep
In addition to changes in behavior and mood, alcohol can affect a person’s coordination, thought, and memory. Excessive use can affect organs such as the pancreas, liver, and heart. Some people who abuse alcohol have an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and may suffer a stroke.
Is Alcohol a Drug that Affects the Entire Family?
Alcoholism not only affects the person with the disease but the whole family. Spouses, children, and other close relatives feel the impact on some level. In some cases, parents or siblings try to help their loved one stop drinking, but this is rarely successful without a professional intervention.
A person has lost control of drinking when he or she can’t cut down on consumption even when a family member, friend or employer asks the individual to do so. Even when the person knows stopping is in his or her best interest, the person’s only hope is to enter an effective alcohol addiction treatment facility.
Is Alcohol a Drug That Leads to Other Addictions?
An individual suffering from alcoholism has a higher chance of developing co-occurring conditions. Mixing other drugs with alcohol can lead to more serious health, physical and behavioral complications.
The likelihood of abusing other substances such as illicit drugs or prescription medications also increases. Hope is available from Denver Recovery. At our picturesque facility, we incorporate the principles of a 12-step program without religious undertones.
Denver Recovery Cent Has Treatment to Help Put You on the Right Path
Our clients come to Denver Recovery for healing from an addiction that has spiraled out of control. We offer a range of therapies to help them regain that control. Our treatment services include:
- Individual therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
Our alcohol treatment center can help you through each step of the recovery process. We want you to experience lasting recovery. Give us a call now at 480-360-6001 to find out how to start your journey.