Alcohol-induced dementia is a condition of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an extended period and can be very detrimental to your health and quality of life. If you drink, you should be familiar with all of the long-term effects of alcohol. Alcohol-induced dementia is common with long-term drinking and can impact your memory, loss of muscle control, and other debilitating symptoms.
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service addiction treatment center that works with people from all walks of life who are struggling with alcohol addiction. We take the time to create a comfortable setting where you’re free to talk about your drinking and how it makes you feel. Our programs offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). If you’d like more information about our alcohol rehab in Wrightsville, call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our home-like residence.
What Is Alcohol-Induced Dementia?
Alcohol-induced dementia is an older term that describes the cognitive impairment that occurs as a result of heavy alcohol consumption over a long period. It’s also known as alcohol-related dementia or alcohol-induced major neurocognitive disorder. It’s similar to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), caused by a vitamin B1 deficiency.
People who develop alcohol-induced dementia will struggle with multiple symptoms that are similar to age-related dementia. These include:
- Recalling long-term memories
- Problems with focus and concentration
- Trouble with problem-solving and planning
- Setting goals
- Making basic decisions
- Staying motivated and organized
- Trouble controlling your emotions
- Coordination issues
These symptoms and others will worsen over time if you keep drinking. You can slow or reverse symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia by stopping drinking and working with a professional therapist to control your symptoms.
The Ranch PA welcomes anyone who’s struggling with alcohol addiction and wants help in breaking free from the abuse. We’ll design a comprehensive program to address physical and psychological symptoms through behavioral and holistic therapies and medical support.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse?
Drinking alcohol comes with some adverse side effects if you drink more than two or three glasses each night. It can cause significant problems at work, school, and home, affect your relationships, and disrupt other aspects of your life.
Cancer
If you drink, you’re increasing your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Studies show that drinking any amount of alcohol increases your risk of developing certain cancers, like breast cancer or prostate cancer. Other types of cancers include:
- Head and neck cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Stomach and pancreatic cancer
Drinking alcohol damages your DNA, which controls how a cell grows and develops.
Chronic Diseases
If you drink excessively, you’re putting yourself at risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Drinking alcohol will weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to liver and kidney disease, hypertension, digestive problems, and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Other Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol-induced dementia is just one symptom of long-term drinking. Other long-term effects of drinking alcohol include an increased risk of developing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. You’ll also experience financial strain, trouble controlling anger, legal action, and jail time.
These long-term effects of alcohol are reversible if you stop drinking and enroll in an alcohol treatment program. They can teach you about the dangers of addiction and several healthy coping skills for managing your symptoms and triggers.
Begin Alcohol Rehab in Wrightsville at The Ranch PA Today
The Ranch PA supports those who are abusing alcohol and want to stop once and for all. On your first day, we’ll run a health assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and which therapies and medication will support your recovery. Our programs include residential and outpatient treatment programs where you’ll develop a better understanding of the addiction and how to control it. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, please fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today.
