Drinking alcohol can seriously affect the body, especially if you or a loved one drinks alcohol excessively. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking too much, whether on a single occasion or over time, can seriously affect one’s health. Drinking too much can affect the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system.
Studies show that drinking alcohol interferes with the brain’s pathways, affecting how the brain looks and functions. This impact can change a person’s mood and behavior, making it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
Drinking alcohol excessively over time can also damage the heart, causing alcohol heart problems such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke, and high blood pressure. Not only does heavy drinking impact one’s heart, but it also affects the liver causing liver problems like steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.
At a drug rehab facility Beverly Hills, it’s important to recognize the health risks associated with alcohol abuse. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can lead to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making it easier to get sick. Studies show that chronic drinkers are more susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Drinking a lot occasionally slows the body’s ability to fight off infections, even 24 hours after getting drunk. Seeking assistance at a drug rehab facility in Beverly Hills is crucial for people looking to address alcohol-related health concerns and achieve lasting recovery.
Not only does drinking too much affect the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system but there’s also a strong connection between drinking alcohol and getting cancer, according to studies by the National Cancer Institute. Studies show clear patterns between alcohol consumption and increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as:
- Head and neck cancer like oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx cancers
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Abusing alcohol can have serious health consequences. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction, consider seeking medical help from alcohol rehab near me professionals.
What Happens to Your Body After 30 Days Without Alcohol?
In a drug rehab facility Los Angeles, when someone with alcohol addiction decides to quit drinking for 30 days, they can expect to experience various health benefits. However, the journey often starts with the onset of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can vary in intensity and duration.
Generally, withdrawal symptoms begin about 24 hours after the last drink. Initially, these symptoms are mild and can include anxiety, hand tremors, sweating, and headaches. As the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol, these symptoms can escalate.
More severe withdrawal symptoms typically start 12 to 24 hours after cessation. These can include hallucinations, a significant increase in heart rate, and high blood pressure. It’s crucial to be in a safe and medically supervised environment during this period, as these symptoms can be dangerous.
After 48 to 72 hours, most acute withdrawal symptoms start to subside. By the time three to seven days have passed, the majority of withdrawal symptoms generally cease. However, the timeline can vary based on someone’s drinking history and physical health.
It’s important to go through the detox process under medical supervision in a drug rehab facility. Medical professionals can provide necessary support and interventions to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively, making the process more manageable and safer. People are more likely to relapse if they go through the detox alone without any medical professionals to monitor their symptoms and keep them from reaching for alcohol to numb the withdrawal symptoms.
One week after quitting alcohol, you may notice you sleep better and are better hydrated. Two weeks after quitting alcohol, you may no longer experience acid reflux. Three weeks after quitting alcohol, your blood pressure reduces. Four weeks after no alcohol, your skin looks better, and your liver functions better. Quitting alcohol for 30 days helps reset your body from the harmful effects of alcohol. It can make the rest of the rehab recovery process smoother once the alcohol is fully out of your body.
Learn more details on what to expect when quitting alcohol cold turkey here:
Other Benefits 30 Days No Alcohol
Quitting alcohol for 30 days has many benefits for both your mental and physical health and well-being. These are seven benefits of quitting alcohol:
No. 1: You sleep better
Studies show that not drinking alcohol increases your quality of sleep. In fact, without the influence of alcohol, the two most important cycles of sleep–rapid eye movement (REM) and slow wave sleep–will be less disrupted. Fewer disruptions mean more sleep, leaving you feeling bright and energized each morning.
No. 2: Your mood and concentration improve
When you quit drinking alcohol, you’ll sleep better, leading to more energy and less fatigue, helping you be more upbeat and productive at work or home.
No. 3: You’ll feel more hydrated
Have you ever noticed how drinking alcohol or being drunk dehydrates you? When you quit alcohol, you’ll be better hydrated, which decreases headaches, dry mouth, and dark undereye circles.
No. 4: Your memory will improve
Studies show alcohol hinders the part of your brain that deals with memory, the hippocampus, so without alcohol slowing it down, your memory will begin to improve.
No. 5: You may lose weight
According to research, alcohol slows your metabolism, making it hard for your body to process fats and sugars. Plus, alcohol typically has a high-calorie count and many alcohol mixers like spirits, vodka, or gin, are high in sugar, so without it, you may find it easier to lose unwanted weight.
No. 6: Your stomach will feel better
Many people report indigestion and acid reflux due to drinking too much alcohol. When you quit drinking, your digestive system is no longer irritated by the alcohol, so it can better absorb nutrients and store vitamins and minerals.
No. 7: Your skin will improve
Sometimes, drinking too much alcohol can cause puffy, red, and blotchy skin. Studies show that alcohol-free skin is better hydrated, making these problems less likely to arise. Plus, quitting alcohol reduces dry skin patches.
Sober October and Quitting Alcohol for 30 Days
If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction, consider trying sober living in October. Affectionately called Sober October, this challenge encourages people to go alcohol-free through the month to examine how their drinking habits could impact their health. Quitting alcohol for 30 days can help you clear your head, gain energy, sleep better, lose weight, and offer a sense of achievement.
Best Alcohol Rehab in Los Angeles, California
Getting sober is hard work, and it’s not one-size-fits-all. If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse, consider seeking help from the best alcohol rehab facility in Los Angeles, CA–Muse Treatment. This treatment center focuses on drug addiction, dual diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, and mental health conditions. With a variety of treatment services, such as drug and alcohol detox, inpatient alcohol and drug rehab, outpatient treatment, and support through sober living, Muse Treatment center has what you need to achieve sober living.
The recovery process is a personal and intimate experience. Let the treatment professionals at Muse help you through it. As a leading LA addiction treatment center, our Los Angeles drug rehab experts offer a safe space for addicts to recover from their addiction, whether it be an addiction to an illicit drug, prescription drugs, or alcohol. Muse Treatment features a team of highly qualified addiction specialists who offer a variety of therapy treatments, such as individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and more, to help patients understand their alcohol abuse and learn healthier ways of coping.
Discover what it’s like to achieve sober living and contact Muse Treatment by calling (800) 426-1818 to begin your road to recovery. Studies show that formal addiction treatment from a drug rehab facility like Muse Treatment Center provides addicts with the strongest chance to successfully manage their addiction.