Most people do not recognize the red flags that accompany regular hangovers. If you are always hung over, you probably reach for Advil or take a swig of Pepto-Bismol. Your family probably shakes their heads and chuckles.
There are no thoughts of long-term liver damage or serious health decline. And, if you and your family do not consider the future effects of alcohol, you likely do not think about the short-term effects of alcohol use either.
Unfortunately, the immediate effects of excessive alcohol use can often be just as detrimental to your life and health as those you will experience 20 years from now. Moreover, the ongoing short-term effects of alcohol abuse continue to contribute to the vicious cycle of addiction.
Understanding the hidden dangers of these effects is crucial if you already find it hard not to have a drink.
The Most Dangerous Effect Is the Illusion of Control
Short-term effects of alcohol use vary from person to person. However, one effect that often stands out is the initial feeling of control. Alcohol acts as a depressant that slows down the central nervous system. This causes temporary (sometimes fleeting) sensations of relaxation and serenity.
If you struggle with ongoing stress or emotional turmoil because of your circumstances, this relief can become overwhelmingly appealing. You will even start chasing those feelings of relief more and more.
The problem is that this entire situation is an illusion. Your anxiety is simply numbed for a few hours. Your problems are still there, waiting as you emerge from your eventual hangover. The scenarios driving you to alcohol will always remain unresolved when drinking becomes a crutch or coping mechanism.
This is often where the cycle of alcohol use starts. There is a momentary release from stress that eventually leads to increased dependence.
Short-Term Alcohol Effects Include Severely Impaired Judgment
Impaired judgment is a well-known side effect of alcohol use. Alcohol significantly impacts your cognitive abilities to the point where even one drink will seriously impair your judgment.
This means you will be far more likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as driving under the influence or starting a physical fight. These are not hidden dangers, however. Those dangers come later when your drunk driving adventure ends in a fatal accident or when your so-called fighting skills, while drunk, send someone to the ICU.
Poor choices like these have immediate and long-term consequences that you cannot escape. Your family will not be able to help you escape them either.
Moreover, if you are already dependent on alcohol, you will find yourself in a constant state of impaired judgment. This will make it more difficult to resist the next drink. Eventually, you will not be able to withstand the cravings and relapse more than once.
Physical Short-Term Alcohol Effects
Alcohol use also wreaks havoc on your body. The short-term effects of alcohol are often downplayed, especially when it comes to advertising. However, even a single episode of heavy drinking can lead to severe dehydration, migraines, impaired motor skills, and ongoing fatigue.
These short-term effects can lead to poor work performance, ill health, and strained relationships.
Also, even before excessive alcohol affects your body, it affects your brain. Relaxation will happen, but soon after, you will start feeling irritable or angry. Many people who go on a binge-drinking spree, even for the first time, experience a deep state of depression afterward.
If you have existing mental health struggles, alcohol use will worsen them.
When to Seek Help for Alcohol Use
If you are unsure of whether your alcohol use warrants seeking professional help, consider the following:
- Do you always drink more than you intend to? Are you unable to stop drinking once you start?
- Do you experience regular cravings for alcohol?
- Does your drinking habits affect your ability to fulfill your work and family responsibilities?
- Do you engage in dangerous activities while under the influence of alcohol?
- Do you prioritize drinking alcohol, even though you are aware that it is straining your relationships with your loved ones?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it is time to seek support. The best way to start is to talk to a trusted family member or friend. While they cannot physically help you overcome a drinking problem, they can help you search for programs or institutions.
Finding the Right Support System
You may choose between a local support group or outpatient treatment. However, if you suffer severe symptoms of binge drinking and the ongoing short-term effects of alcohol use, you need to consider a more professional solution.
This is especially true if you are used to comfort or luxury. Public facilities may scare you into trying to ignore your drinking problem, particularly if you do not know what to expect.
If you prefer a more private and holistic approach while working towards sobriety, you could look into luxury treatment centres. These facilities often provide private rooms, healthy meals, outdoor access, and spa facilities.
This is the approach used by HARP facilities. HARP offers personalized treatment for those struggling to break a drinking habit. Their facilities welcome professionals, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and anyone who does not want their addictions to impact their families and businesses anymore.
Reimagine Your Future With HARP
You do not have to let your drinking habit rule your life anymore. You no longer have to cope with the short-term effects of alcohol use. Instead, let HARP guide you on the road to sobriety.
HARP comprises a team of clinical professionals, including doctors, counsellors, and psychologists. As you learn coping mechanisms to overcome alcohol cravings, you will also have a psychologist help minimize the impact of withdrawal on your mental health.
Moreover, your soul will benefit from the beautiful natural surroundings where you can hike or take a leisurely walk. HARP’s luxury rehab centre offers nutrition and personal training options. There is also a day spa for much-needed relaxation as you recover.
If you are ready to get your life back on track, speak with a HARP Family Support Specialist today and take the first step towards recovery.
