Alcohol Use Disorder and Physical Health
Alcohol damages the liver and heart. Drinking too much also harms the pancreas, weakens the immune system, irritates the stomach and digestive tract, and can strain the kidneys.
Alcohol abuse raises risk for several cancers including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast, and it can weaken bones and disrupt hormone and blood sugar balance, increasing long-term health risks.
Health effects from alcohol addiction may include:
- Heart, liver and/or kidney damage
- Damage to your immune system
- Stomach and digestive problems
- Cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, etc.
- Weaker bones, hormone and blood sugar imbalances
PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous or deadly without a medical detox. No one who drinks more than 2-3 drinks per day should ever stop drinking abruptly (cold turkey).
Alcohol, The Brain and Mental Health
Alcohol addiction changes brain chemistry. These changes can affect co-occurring conditions, like anxiety and depression and make cravings feel urgent.
The effects of alcohol on the brain often make stopping on your own very hard. Effective care blends clinical support with therapy and education to address physical dependence and the behaviors that fuel drinking.
Effects of an alcohol use disorder may include:
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol treatment often begins with a medical detox. Quitting drinking on your own, especially suddenly, can be very dangerous or even fatal.
When you call Paradigm Recovery Centers, we will conduct a pre-admission screening over the phone. If you need an alcohol detox, we will make the arrangements for you at our sister program. Once your detox is complete, you will be able to begin your residential treatment here.
When the problem is alcohol, then the simple fact is that the more high-quality treatment you get after detox, the more likely you are to succeed in long-term sobriety.
4 Things You Must Know About Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Detox is Only The Beginning
It’s important to understand that alcohol detox is only the beginning of the alcohol addiction treatment process.
Alcohol Detox Treats The Body
An inpatient detox for alcohol addiction, along with medication assisted treatment (MAT), in some cases, addresses the physical symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Rehab Treats The Mind
Continued care in a Paradigm Recovery Centers alcohol program with partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) targets the mental symptoms of alcohol use disorder.
Successful Sobriety Requires Both
Our dual-diagnosis treatment model for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) addresses physical needs with detox placement and MAT. Mental and spiritual needs are met with residential, PHP and IOP treatment.
Alcohol Addiction: Signs & Symptoms
Make sure you are aware of the symptoms and signs of an alcohol use disorder. This information can help pierce the veil of denial for yourself or someone you care about, so they can get the alcohol treatment they deserve. Look for these signs and symptoms of a drinking problem in yourself and others. Be proactive and willing to ask for help and have difficult conversations—it could save a life.
8 Health and Physical Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Liver problems
Yellowing skin or eyes, belly pain, constant fatigue, and abnormal lab results from long-term alcohol damage.
Heart and blood pressure issues
Fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart failure or stroke.
Stomach and digestion problems
Ongoing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or poor appetite from gastritis and pancreatitis.
Frequent infections
Getting sick more often and slow wound healing because alcohol weakens the immune system.
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Persistent numbness, tingling, or burning in hands and feet that affects everyday tasks.
Bone and muscle weakness
Unexplained fractures, brittle bones, and muscle loss from long-term heavy drinking.
Seizures
Sudden convulsions that can occur during withdrawal or with prolonged heavy use.
Hormone and metabolic changes
Sexual problems, irregular periods, low energy, or unstable blood sugar levels.
8 Psychological and Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Craving and obsession
Constant thoughts about drinking and organizing time around getting or using alcohol.
Loss of control
Repeatedly drinking more or longer than intended despite plans to cut back.
Using to avoid withdrawal
Drinking to stop shaking, anxiety, nausea, or other withdrawal symptoms.
Secretive behavior
Hiding alcohol, lying about use, or drinking alone to conceal the problem.
Neglected responsibilities
Missing work, school, or family duties because of drinking or hangovers.
Risky or impulsive actions
Driving while impaired, unsafe sex, or other dangerous choices when drinking.
Emotional instability
Increased irritability, sudden anger, or frequent mood swings tied to alcohol use.
Social withdrawal and role changes
Dropping hobbies, distancing from loved ones, or shifting social circles to accommodate drinking.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Paradigm Recovery Centers
At Paradigm Recovery Centers we offer compassionate, evidence based care and practical support to help people stop drinking and rebuild their lives.
Our team combines medical supervision, counseling, and relapse prevention planning to create a personalized, realistic path to recovery. We focus on stabilizing health, restoring daily routines, and teaching skills that support long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one are ready to talk, our admissions coordinators will answer your questions and explain next steps.
Call (660) 460-5750 or submit your insurance using the button below.
