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What is Dehydration Doing to Your Body?

woman begins opioid detox program

If you have ever woken up with a hangover, or in the middle of the night after an evening of heavy alcohol use, you are almost certainly familiar with the desperate thirst of alcohol-induced dehydration.  You feel like you could drink a swimming pool, and may find yourself standing in front of the refrigerator chugging orange juice out of the carton. Severe thirst is a common symptom of a hangover, but many drinkers don’t take the time to consider the health consequences of dehydration.  Frequent hangovers resulting in chronic dehydration may have long-term effects, and often signal a larger problem with alcohol use.    Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it causes you to lose more fluid than normal through urination while you are drinking.  Since water usually makes up over two-thirds of the human body, depriving your body of the fluids it needs to function can lead to many painful and uncomfortable symptoms.  The most obvious signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dark urine, and lightheadedness. Lack of adequate bodily fluids can also lead to cognitive issues such as memory loss and confusion.  Additionally, a severe hangover can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which means you can continue to lose fluid for as much as two days after drinking. The best ways to prevent dehydration are to drink water regularly and avoid conditions that throw off your body’s natural balance, such as extreme heat and excessive alcohol use.  If you believe you may have an addiction to alcohol and you are tired of dealing with the symptoms of hangovers, now is the time to seek help. While alcohol use and dehydration can damage the body and mind, the earlier you begin a recovery program and start to focus on your health, the more likely you will be able to heal from the past and build a healthier, happier future.

At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.  We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.