Alcohol Is Worse Than Illegal Drugs

Alcohol worse than illegal drugs

Just because alcohol is a legal substance does not mean that it is a safe drug to consume. For socio-political reasons, alcohol remains to be legal to purchase and consume. However, whereas there are some medical implications and usages for what are known as illegal drugs, there is no therapeutic value to alcohol. Just like with illegal drugs, you can overdose on alcohol (alcohol poisoning) but alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it is the only withdrawal, other than that from benzodiazepines, that is potentially fatal.

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it is socially-acceptable to drink and therefore makes it a more insidious drug. The common perception of alcohol is that it is OK to overindulge for a “good time.”

Effects of alcohol on the brain

Looking at the effects on the brain from long-term drinking, it is clear that alcohol is worse than illegal drugs. Extended alcohol consumption can lead to something called Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, also known as “wet brain.” It is a chronic and debilitating syndrome characterized by persistent learning and memory problems. Patients are forgetful and easily frustrated. They experience difficulty with walking and coordination. Although these patients have problems recalling old information, it is their difficulty in forming new information that is the most striking. For example, a patient can discuss in detail an event but, an hour later might not remember ever having the conversation. People may not be aware that prolonged liver dysfunction can harm the brain, leading to a serious and potentially fatal brain disorder known as hepatic encephalopathy, which causes changes in sleep patterns, mood, and personality; anxiety and depression; severe cognitive effects such as shortened attention span; and problems with coordination. Alcohol–damaged liver cells allow excess amounts of these harmful byproducts to enter the brain, thus harming brain cells.

Effects of alcohol on the body

Heart

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it can have serious effects on physical health. And it is not just from drinking a lot over a long time; drinking too much on a single occasion can damage the heart and cause problems such as cardiomyopathy (stretching and drooping of heart muscle); arrhythmias – (irregular heart beat); stroke; high blood pressure.

Liver

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, which leads to a variety of problems such as Steatosis, or fatty liver; Alcoholic Hepatitis; Fibrosis; Cirrhosis.

Pancreas

Alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, dangerous inflammation and swelling that prevents proper digestion. This can lead to malnutrition and therefore affecting brain function.

Cancer

Drinking too much alcohol makes alcohol is worse than illegal drugs because it increases your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breast.

Immune System

Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body more susceptible to disease.  Chronic drinkers are more likely to contract diseases than people who do not drink too much.  Drinking a lot on a single occasion reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections, even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.

It’s safe to say that alcohol is worse than illegal drugs.

The World Health Organization estimates that risks linked to alcohol cause 2.5 million deaths per year from heart and liver disease, car accidents, suicides and cancer, accounting for 3.8% of all deaths. Alcohol is the third leading risk factor for premature death and disabilities worldwide.

Scientists with the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) conducted research that took into account 7 different criteria and found that alcohol is most harmful. On a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being no harm and 100 being most harmful, they find alcohol is worse than illegal drugs, with a score of 72, followed by heroin with 55 and crack with 54.

Sources:

www.reuters.com

www.nih.gov

www.cbsnews.com

www.wikipedia.org

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.

What is alcohol detox?

 

Alcohol detox for those who have found themselves physically dependent on it is an absolutely integral and lifesaving part of the recovery process. The literal definition of alcohol is; treatment to rid the body of poisonous substances, specifically in this instance alcohol. Alcohol detox is where the initial physical cleansing of the body happens, so alcoholics can continue on alcohol free. Most alcohol detox facilities make it their mission to give the people there the most comfortable alcohol detox possible because it can be severely uncomfortable. At an alcohol detox it is almost guaranteed that each individual will be in a safe, comfortable and medically supervised program. Alcohol detox gives alcoholics who have been surrounded by chaos a peaceful and relaxing environment. The setting during alcohol detoxification is imperative so most alcohol detox facilities try to give a tranquil and serene experience with special accommodations, food, comfortable beds etc. Not only that but alcohol detox has a knowledgeable and caring staff that treats each alcoholic who comes in with respect so they can get the most out of their stay and be comfortable.

Entering alcohol detox

When an individual first enters into alcohol detox they are assessed in order for the facility to meet their detoxification needs. The average length of stay in alcohol detox is 4-10 days. During this time in alcohol detox everyone is bound to have alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to the alcohol leaving their body and this can be very uncomfortable and scary. This is why alcohol detox makes sure that during those 4-10 days that they are physically cleansing that everything is personalized to their needs so they can be medically assisted in the best ways for them. Doctors begin overseeing treatment in alcohol detox from the moment the individual arrives.

What to expect from alcohol detox

What each individual can expect from alcohol detox is the highest level of care. The reason alcohol detox focuses so much on the quality of their care is because this is the beginning for each individual on their way to achieving their goal of long term sobriety. An inpatient alcohol detox guarantees an effective medical detox experience where the recovery process can start.

Alcohol detox is just the beginning

Alcohol detox is just the beginning of the journey into sobriety but it is one of the most imperative parts of it. This is where alcoholics go to get a clean body, mind and soul in order to begin taking those steps to true healing. Alcohol detox also gives each individual multiple outlets and tools that they will be able to use as they go forward and their alcohol detox ends. Some of the things that many alcohol detox facilities recommend after the detox process is complete are inpatient residential alcohol treatment, or outpatient alcohol treatment. The chances of an alcoholic finding success in sobriety go up significantly if they attend some kind of alcohol treatment after their time in alcohol detox is complete.

If you need help with your addiction give us a call now at 1-800-984-4003.