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Can Alcohol Use Speed Up the Aging Process?

It only takes one night of heavy drinking to understand that alcohol is quite literally poisoning your body as you drink it.  A bad hangover will have you feeling terrible and looking worse, and you may notice dry skin, dark circles under your eyes, and a general appearance of fatigue when you look in the mirror.  But have you ever wondered what the long-term effects of alcohol use are to your physical appearance? Alcohol abuse can lead to a variety of health issues, including maladies that will show signs of deterioration in your skin and eyes.  For those of us who wish to preserve a youthful appearance for as long as possible, these external consequences may be just one more reason to give up the booze. A study conducted in 2017 proved a direct correlation between heavy alcohol use and noticeable signs of ageing that include yellowing in the eyes and a creased earlobe, which has been found to indicate a higher risk of stroke.  Alcohol also leaves you severely dehydrated, which means your skin becomes drier than usual and wrinkles become more visible. Heavy drinking causes your blood vessels to expand, and in some cases, burst. Blood vessels that have burst can remain visible on your face even after you have detoxed and rehydrated, causing a permanent flushed look. Alcohol interferes with your sleep as well, causing you to stay up late and have lower quality sleep when you do finally stumble into bed.  Studies have found that sleep deprivation not only causes a droopy and fatigued appearance the day after, but can result in permanent signs of ageing such as wrinkles and sagging skin.  If alcohol use can cause so much visible damage to your outward appearance, you can imagine what it may be doing to your delicate internal tissues. If you believe you have a problem with alcohol, now is the time to reach out for help.

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.