THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK
Alcohol Abuse and what it can do to your body
Do you have a drinking problem? Ask yourself these questions. If the answer is yes to any of these, you might want to seek help.
- Are you ashamed of how much you drink?
- Are you lying to others about when you drink?
- Do you need to drink in order to help you relax?
- Do you regularly drink more than what you had intended to drink?
- Are any of your friends or family members worried about how much you drink?
What alcohol can do to your body
- Liver inflammation, which will lead to liver failure
- Raises the risk for breast cancer
- Inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to pancreatic cancer
- Stretching and drooping of the heart muscles
- Weakens the immune system causing the body to be a target for infectious diseases
- Serious mental health issues can occur
- High Blood Pressure
- Bones can become weak and brittle
- Lung infections
- Makes it harder for the intestines to absorb important nutrients
What you can do if help and support is needed
Before it starts:
Eliminate stressors in your life
Realize the risks associated with alcoholism
Help in the early stages:
Maintaing alertness for early signs of the abuse
Monitoring alcohol intake on regular doctor checkups
Help after excessive use over a long period of time:
Rehab/12-step programs
Alcohol anonymous meetings