Premature Ageing and Alcoholism

Alcohol, whether occasional use or binge drinking episodes, can have disastrous effects on a person’s health. Alcohol is a toxin, as well as a depressant, and causes the body to have to alter its processes in order to flush it out. One of the most common symptoms of alcoholism is premature aging, as our skin is one of our most sensitive organs. In order to stop these symptoms from progressing, it is important to seek help when you or someone you love has identified that there is a problem.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism affects millions of lives every year. The criteria to meet alcoholism often varies and depends on the individual. However, it is usually regarded as the most severe alcohol use disorder. There are three stages of an alcohol use disorder, which are mild, moderate, and severe. The most severe being alcoholism.

Alcoholism is considered an addiction, which is categorized as a chronic brain disease. Addiction can happen to anyone at any time during the use of drugs or alcohol. However, it most often occurs after periods of prolonged use. Your brain is directly affected by alcohol use, which can cause temporary or permanent changes in your brain’s chemistry. Synapses that allow you to experience positive effects become altered or even disappear completely. Your brain then compulsively and impulsively seeks out more alcohol to achieve the desired effect. You no longer can focus on prior responsibilities, habits, or obligations because your brain is preoccupied solely with obtaining more alcohol. Alcoholism puts your safety on the line and can cause life-threatening symptoms.

You may be wondering what can actually cause alcoholism. Studies have shown that alcoholism can be caused by genetic, social, environmental, and physical factors. These are all dependent on the individual. A potential risk factor may be experiencing mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety. Those who have a history of trauma or who are experiencing PTSD may have a higher risk for developing an alcohol use disorder. Those who start drinking at a younger age also have a heightened risk for developing alcoholism.

While alcoholism can lead to a coma and even death, it can also have more noticeable effects that happen over time. Alcoholism, due to the consumption of alcohol, can cause someone to experience premature aging. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, this may be a sign to watch out for.

Why Does Alcohol Cause Premature Aging?

Alcohol can cause a person to experience premature aging, which can directly affect their skin and other bodily organs. One of the ways alcohol can cause these symptoms is by dehydrating your body. Alcohol is considered a diuretic, which means the more alcohol you consume, the more dehydrated you will become.

Your skin, the largest organ of your body, will be the first to be affected. As well as cause you to become dehydrated, alcohol will also deplete your body of much-needed nutrients that your body relies on. This is because alcohol is considered a toxin and the moment it touches your lips, your internal processes are working to rid it from your body. These nutrients and vitamins are what your skin relies on to stay looking fresh and young. Depletion of nutrients and vitamins causes the skin to struggle to regenerate new cells and speeds up the aging process.

Your skin is a very sensitive organ and requires proper care in order for it to continue looking young for as long as possible. When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it actually widens the blood vessels. This causes blood to come up into your face, which can cause redness and swelling, especially around your cheeks and under eyes. While alcohol speeds up the aging process of all your body’s organs, your skin is often the most noticeable at first glance. However, alcohol damage goes beyond skin deep.

Skin Changes Caused By Alcohol

Alcohol mostly affects the skin internally, as it affects other organs that in turn affect the outer appearance of your skin. Alcohol contains no nutrients and dehydrates the skin, rapidly speeding up the natural aging process. Listed below are symptoms that could appear due to alcohol consumption.

Wrinkles

Due to the diuretic nature of alcohol, this can cause your body to have more wrinkles. After alcohol use, whether short-term or prolonged, you may begin to notice more wrinkles and fine lines developing. As use continues, you will notice that more wrinkles begin showing up and lines begin to deepen. Alcohol makes the skin lose its elasticity and youthfulness due to depletion of key vitamins and nutrients.

Hair Loss

Dehydration also takes a toll on our hair. If our body is not properly hydrated, you will notice that your hair becomes dry and brittle. This could lead to split ends or hair breaking off. The depletion of vitamins and minerals include zinc. Zinc is important for hair growth and without it, you may experience hair loss.

Worsening Of Skin Conditions

If you already have a skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema, consuming alcohol could potentially worsen it. This could make your condition have a flare-up or cause it to be more noticeable.

Spider Veins

Since alcohol widens your veins when it enters your bloodstream, it can cause your skin to have a reddish or pink coloring. This normally goes away after a few hours of having your last drink. However, frequent overconsumption can actually lead to the appearance of spider veins on your face. You could also experience broken capillaries.

Get Help Today

You can prevent the effects of premature aging associated with alcoholism by first treating the disease itself at a treatment center (Link: arizonaaddictioncenter.org). Alcoholism is a complicated and often deadly disease that requires treatment by medical professionals. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, the best course of action is to seek help immediately to help limit the effects it could have on every aspect of your life.

Arizona Addiction Recovery Center features a dedicated team of professionals that focus not only on treating the disease but helping their patients regain the normalcy of their lives back. Their individualized treatment plans help those seeking recovery achieve the best chance of success while preparing them for life outside of the center. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcoholism, call today!