How Alcohol Affects Behavior

How Alcohol Affects Behavior

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Dr. Norris Von Curl, II, MD

Alcohol addiction is a serious issue that can have many effects on one’s life. Sometimes alcohol use can lead to feelings of anger and aggression. It can even result in violent outbursts. This is because alcohol alters a person’s biology and behavior, making them act in ways they would normally not. In this blog post, we will explore the way alcohol can affect your behavior and your life. We will also explore where to seek help.

How Alcohol Affects Biology

Alcohol can have serious effects on the human body, both physically and mentally. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can cause changes in mood and behavior, including feelings of increased anger.

Physically, alcohol has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, resulting in slowed reaction time, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. It also impairs motor functions, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Long-term alcohol use can cause permanent damage to organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Ultimately, alcohol abuse can take a serious toll on one’s physical and mental health.

How Alcohol Alters Behavior

Alcohol has many effects on the body that are dependent on each individual’s biological makeup. Below are a few ways that alcohol can cause behavioral or physical damage.

Alcohol Creates Biological Damage

Alcohol affects one’s biology in ways that can ultimately change their behavior. Studies have shown that alcohol can increase feelings of anger and aggression. Ultimately this can make it difficult for someone to manage their emotions and can lead to destructive behaviors, such as outbursts of violence or verbal abuse.

Alcohol Impairs Decision Making

Alcohol interferes with the way one’s brain processes information and makes decisions. This can lead to confusion and impaired judgment, resulting in aggressive or violent behavior. Under the influence of alcohol, a person might make decisions they wouldn’t ordinarily make. They may take risks that could put them in harm’s way. This kind of behavior is especially dangerous if combined with unresolved anger and aggression from past situations or one’s upbringing.

Alcohol Causes Memory Loss

Even though someone struggling with alcohol abuse can act aggressively, they may not remember this the next day. When people cannot remember the previous night’s destruction, it’s easy for them to ignore the pain and devastation they caused.

Alcohol Worsens Mental Health

The long-term effects of alcohol consumption can be particularly damaging to those struggling with unresolved anger issues. For these individuals, alcohol can further exacerbate existing issues, leading to increasingly volatile behavior. It can also create a cycle of destructive behavior and feelings. These individuals turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for dealing with the anger and aggression they feel.

The Link Between Alcohol and Violence

Alcohol and violence have a complex connection. According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, this link is well-established. The consumption of alcohol impairs many cognitive functions. This includes impulse control, which can lead to feelings of increased anger and aggression. This can cause someone to act impulsively and erratically.

Alcohol use has also been linked to emotional instability, which can further contribute to aggressive outbursts. Studies have found that those who are intoxicated are more likely to express strong emotions, such as anger, fear, and sadness. These intense emotions can be difficult to control and may lead to verbal or physical altercations.

When a person consumes large amounts of alcohol over long periods, their body becomes physically dependent on the substance. This leads to cravings for alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when it is not available. Cravings can further contribute to feelings of aggression and violence. A person may become irritable and angry if they are unable to satisfy their cravings.

Help for Those With an alcohol Problem

The ravaging effects of alcohol addiction can ruin not only one’s own life but also the lives of family and friends. First Steps Recovery understands how difficult it can be to ask for help. We also know that without help, many suffering from addiction will never be able to find sobriety and lasting happiness.

At First Steps Recovery, we make it our priority to provide resources, support, and help for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Our experienced team of professionals is equipped to handle every aspect of recovery, from evaluating and treating withdrawal symptoms to providing individual therapy and group counseling. We also have programs to help clients develop the skills necessary for successful recovery and relapse prevention.

We have a variety of services from the traditional to the holistic. Everyone can find a treatment plan that best meets their individual needs, including therapies that address deep-seated emotions and traumas. Our hope is that everyone who steps through our doors can find the support and resources to become the amazing person they truly are.

Alcohol abuse can be difficult to address, but help is possible. You may feel like you are locked in a constant loop of binge and regret. We understand this common trap and we are here to support you in any way we can. You have support at First Steps Recovery, no matter where you are in your recovery process. Alcoholism is a disease that can cause you to act unlike yourself. Our goal is to provide a space that allows you to reclaim your happiness and find freedom again. You can redeem yourself and embrace new behaviors and goals. Our goal is to help you find your success story through lifelong sobriety. Please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.

Alcohol abuse can be difficult to address, but help is possible. You may feel like you are locked in a constant loop of binge and regret. We understand this common trap and we are here to support you in any way we can. You have support at First Steps Recovery, no matter where you are in your recovery process. Alcoholism is a disease that can cause you to act unlike yourself. Our goal is to provide a space that allows you to reclaim your happiness and find freedom again. You can redeem yourself and embrace new behaviors and goals. Our goal is to help you find your success story through lifelong sobriety. Please call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.

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