Signs that Alcohol Use Is Getting Dangerous

 

Alcohol may be one of the most overlooked addictive substances when it comes to the damage it can cause. Heavy short-term use can cause alcohol poisoning, while long term use can result in liver failure. If you know your loved one has a drinking problem, you should not wait till there is a medical issue to get them to help. Though sometimes despite families’ best efforts, they will refuse to go. For this reason, we made this list of signs that may show the early signs of such things as liver failure, kidney damage, or jaundice.

For a full list of different symptoms of the various manifestations of each of these maladies, scroll below for all signs and symptoms.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition where the skin and white of the eyes begin to turn yellow. It is caused by a high level of bilirubin being created by the liver. A few different issues can cause elevated bilirubin, but perhaps one of the most common is high alcohol consumption levels. The most recognizable symptom is the person’s skin pigment changing to a yellowish color. This condition may also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and dark colored urine.

Liver Disease

Liver disease can be inherited genetically or caused by other health issues; one of the common causes of liver disease is alcohol use. Liver disease symptoms can sometimes go undetected, so you must be aware of the signs. Symptoms include jaundice, swelling of ankles and legs, itchy skin, and a tendency to bruise easily, to name a few.

Kidney Damage

While a small amount of drinking is not dangerous for the kidneys, heavy drinking can cause damage after only a few days. Known as acute kidney failure, if it is left untreated, can be fatal. While full recovery is possible, there is a chance that permanent damage can be caused. In addition, high levels of alcohol use can lead to kidney disease.

Brain Damage

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a condition that affects the brain after long term alcoholism. Better known as wet brain, the condition is a combination of two different conditions that co-occur. It is caused by alcohol’s effect on your abilities to store and use vitamin b1, impacting both the brain and nervous system.