Alcoholism is something that can affect not only one person, but those around them. This guide will show you the 10 psychological effects that you’ll want to be aware of. If you or someone you know that may be dealing with this, it’s important to find help fast.
Alcoholism can get to a point where it can get severe. Plus, the longer you wait, the worse it can get. You can find out more information on how to get treated at Infinite Recovery by visiting their website: https://www.infiniterecovery.com/extended-care-in-austin/.
It can be a challenge to get someone the help they need. However, it’s important to gently remind them that this can save their life. Let’s take a look now at the following psychological effects alcoholism can have on someone.
The psychological effects of alcoholism
Before we continue, be aware that there are two types of effects we’ll cover. These are the short-term and long-term psychological effects. We’ll begin with the short-term ones first:
Short-term psychological effects
Inability to focus
Those dealing with alcoholism at the early stage will have a hard time focusing. This can be while they are doing simple tasks or while they are at work. They may have a hard time performing tasks properly.
The work quality may be less than ideal. If you are under the influence of alcohol while working, this can lead to being sent home or being terminated from your job.
Relaxation or less stress
Granted, alcohol should not be a coping mechanism for stress. Allowing this can lead them to a downward spiral towards late stage alcoholism. If someone is stressed all the time, they may find alcohol to be their way to calm themselves down.
If you notice this happening, make sure they have alternative ways to relieve stress. Stress can be handled in better ways.
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Decreased inhibitions
This includes making poor decisions. This may include getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and possibly getting into an accident. This may result in being charged with DUI or being killed.
Depending on the jurisdiction, DUI laws are stringent. Also, the charge of vehicular manslaughter may arise if you had a passenger that was killed either in your vehicle (or in another).
You may lose awareness of where you are or what you are doing. This can occur if a person is already in the latter stages of alcoholism.
Memory problems
You may have lapses in memory. You won’t be able to remember what happened from a short period of time ago. They may even forget certain things that are as simple as names, letters of the alphabet, or something that may be easy to remember.
Vision, coordination, reflexes are affected
You may not be able to see straight, have normal coordination, or poor reaction time. Whether you are behind the wheel or out and about, you may not be able to be aware of what’s going on. They won’t be able to see what is close by or far away.
When something is coming at them, it may take a little longer for them to react. Compare that to when they are not under the influence, they will have enough time. You’ll see the difference in reaction comparing sober to drunk.
Long-term psychological effects
Depression and anxiety is increased
This is where your mental health can change for the negative. You will become increasingly depressed or anxious. You may be in a bad mood at times.
Some moods can also include irritability or anger. This is proof that alcohol can change moods for the worse. They may not be aware of it to a point where they may be able to control it.
Increased use of alcohol and building a tolerance
This can be dangerous. The reason for this is that someone may drink enough alcohol to a point where they can have a dangerous amount of it in their system. The high risk of alcohol poisoning may exist if they build up enough of a tolerance.
More than three-quarters of people ages 35 to 64 have died from alcohol poisoning each year. On average, about six people a day will die from it. This may be due to the fact that they have built up enough of a tolerance to where they drink dangerous amounts.
Your body will become dependant
Simply put, this is alcoholism in a nutshell. Your body will become dependent on alcohol in order to get through the day. You may start drinking the moment you wake up.
If your body is deprived of this, you can undergo withdrawals. Depending on how long you have had alcoholism, those withdrawal symptoms can get severe (even fatal if untreated). For those reasons, those being treated for alcohol may need to be monitored in an inpatient setting.
Memory and learning ability impaired
You may have a hard time remembering things. Not to mention, you may not be able to learn things easily. The alcohol may damage parts of your brain to a point where this can be common even if you recover from alcoholism.
Brain development is interrupted
This pertains to younger people who may be dependent on alcohol. Parts of their brains won’t be able to fully develop once they are in adulthood. Thus, brain development will be difficult for those who are younger than the age of 19 and have an alcohol problem.
Final Thoughts
Alcoholism is something that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. That’s because the later stage someone is in, it can get to dangerous levels. If you or someone you know that needs help from alcoholism, now is the time.
Infinite Recovery will help someone get over their alcoholism. We will make sure that they get the help they need during and after treatment. The decision to get help is now.
For more information, you can contact Infinite Recovery now. Because the decision to get help can be a lifesaver.
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