Risks Of Alcohol Abuse For Men’s Health
In the United States, 58% of men report drinking some alcohol every month, and as much as 28% admit binge drinking at least 5 times a month. Alcohol abuse is often a problem that lies dormant and invisible for a long time. Unlike it is with heavy drugs, people don’t usually perceive alcohol as an especially dangerous substance. Among men, in particular, having a drink with friends is often a part of their expected lifestyle. Therefore, learning the risks of male drinking is the first step towards increasing awareness and ending the abuse.
Physical And Psychological Health Hazards Of Male Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse exerts numerous effects on people, regardless of sex or gender. Male addiction, however, is characterized by several additional adverse consequences. Some of these effects go away quickly once a man quits drinking, while others may persist for years and require special treatment.
Short-Term Effects
- Sexual Dysfunction
The relaxing properties of alcohol exist because the substance acts as a central nervous system depressant. It can make it difficult for men who regularly abuse alcohol to get and maintain an erection. Alcohol also inhibits the function of the testes, preventing sperm from developing properly. Besides being frustrating by themselves, these effects can also lead to problems with conceiving a child in couples where the man struggles with alcohol abuse.
Men’s addiction treatment center may be particularly beneficial due to its specific approach. Professionals at such centers are trained to address sexual dysfunction and other problems that only male patients experience, creating a comfortable and therapeutic environment.
- Weight Gain
When it comes to alcohol, it’s somewhat difficult to track the exact amount of calories a person ingests. Upon closer examination, however, the amount of consumed energy can add up quickly. A standard 45 ml drink of rum can contain between 116 and 197 calories depending on the strength. A 355 ml bottle of beer normally contains between 153 and 350 calories.
Alcohol also forces the body to burn fat slower. Since the substance cannot be stored in the body, the process of its elimination becomes the priority. Consequently, other functions, such as burning fat and absorbing nutrients, are inhibited.
- Reduced Testosterone Levels
Alcohol in large quantities tends to reduce testosterone levels. In addition to the diminished libido and sexual dysfunction, insufficient testosterone levels can lead to minor and severe short-term effects. A man may experience loss of facial and chest hair, withering of the testicles, and enlargement of the breasts. Hormonal disbalance can also result in mood swings, depression, and the development of other psychological issues.
- Pancreas Inflammation
Alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of chronic pancreatitis. Although the inflammation of the pancreas is treatable and reversible once a man stops drinking, it can lead to more severe conditions. It is crucial to find a 30 day inpatient rehab near me as soon as the person detects his drinking problem.
Long-Term Effects
- Liver Damage
Problems with the liver are among the most widely known when it comes to alcohol. The primary function of the liver is to filter toxins from the blood, meaning this organ suffers during alcohol abuse. Since the liver is incredibly resilient, it takes years of abuse to severely damage it. The final stage of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the only irreversible stage of ARLD, although it can be managed with appropriate treatment. Visit sites like https://lnhlifesciences.org/liver-endothelial-cells to know more about liver health.
- Heart Disease And Damage To The Cardiovascular System
Alcohol increases blood pressure and prevents blood from clotting, which can cause bleeding. Severe alcohol abuse can also lead to a condition called cardiomyopathy. In patients with cardiomyopathy, the heart becomes abnormally large and thickened. The changes prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively. As a result, blood can gather in the lungs and other parts of the body. Both cardiomyopathy and binge drinking can cause arrhythmias and lead to heart failure.
- Cancer
CDC reports that alcohol abuse in men significantly increases the risk of getting various cancers. The most frequent cancers associated with drinking are the cancer of the liver, mouth, throat, colon, and esophagus.
- Bone Disease
Heavy alcohol consumption frequently leads to decreased bone formation and significant delays in the healing of fractures. New bone cells also form with more difficulty in people with alcohol addiction. In men, in particular, bony density can decrease as a result of testosterone deficiency. Since alcohol both interferes with testosterone levels and inhibits bone cells formation, it can lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis.
- Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is an acquired chronic condition that develops more frequently in men than in women. Heavy alcohol consumption and regular abuse can directly contribute to type 2 diabetes. Alcohol tends to reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, and it simultaneously damages the pancreas that is responsible for insulin production. Besides, alcoholic beverages contain a lot of calories, which increases the chance of becoming overweight and developing type 2 diabetes.
- Mental Issues
Alcohol is notorious for causing depression, but this disorder is not the only one that substance abuse can inflict. Men with alcohol dependence frequently face problems with their families, jobs, physical health, and financial standing. The added strain of addiction can produce self-esteem issues, anxiety, and a range of other illnesses. Since some of the issues are incredibly sensitive and personal, a person may find a men-only rehabilitation center more comfortable than conventional treatment facilities. These rehabs can help men open up about their problems to someone who can understand what they’re going through first hand.
The Recap Of Alcohol Abuse Effects In Men
Heavy drinking and alcohol addiction in men can lead to a variety of serious health issues. The most frequent adverse effects include sexual dysfunction and liver damage. Another particularly dangerous outcome of alcohol abuse is pancreas inflammation, as it can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Some men also develop problems with bone tissue, which may result in early osteopenia and osteoporosis.
It is possible to eliminate nearly all health risks connected to drinking through supervised withdrawal and proper treatment. Drug and alcohol outpatient program in NJ has shown positive results so check them out. Men-only rehab programs are particularly effective in helping men quit and stay sober while dealing with their issues in an understanding environment.