While drinking is seen as social and acceptable in society, it can also be equally as destructive to one’s life as any drug if not properly controlled. Many individuals face physical addiction, while others are socially tied to it at any event. Others function but consistently drink to function. This leads to a myriad of negative effects on life. Physical and social negatives can all emerge from excessive and unsafe drinking. The long term damage to the body, one’s family and professional life and potential jail time due to drunk driving can ruin lives. It is important hence to have a clear understanding of the negative effects of alcohol that the television ads do not always show. Substance Abuse Counselors can also help individuals see the destructive power of alcohol on lives.
There are numerous negative effects of excessive drinking. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Program
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse.
Please review the video below to learn more about the negative effects of alcohol on life.
Substance Abuse leads to excess in any type of drug or medication. When misused, or used at an excessive level, one can damage and injure one’s body. It is of no surprise then that drinking can be correlated with an increased chance of cancer. It is hence important to understand how this can occur and what parts of the body are more vulnerable to damage due to drinking and substance abuse.
Substance abuse and excessive drinking is correlated with increased chances of cancer
The article, “Drinking Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk—But Very Few Americans Are Aware of the Link” by Kaitlyn Sullivan looks closer at the connection between cancer and substance abuse with drinking. She discusses the danger of excessive drinking and statistics associated with drinking and cancer. She also lists various ways to decrease drinking. In regards to cancer increase, she states,
“Drinking alcohol of any kind—liquor, beer, and wine—is a leading risk factor for developing cancer, but too few Americans are aware of the risk, and it could be putting their health in jeopardy.A research article published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer, shows that most Americans—more than 50%—report not knowing how alcoholic drinks affect cancer risk. Some individuals (10.3%) believed wine in particular decreased cancer risk”
“Drinking Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk—But Very Few Americans Are Aware of the Link”. Kaitlyn Sullivan. January 11th, 2023. Health.
To learn more about the connection between cancer and substance abuse with drinking, please click here
Commentary
It’s no secret that alcohol has long been associated with a number of health risks, but did you know that it can also increase your risk of developing cancer? For many, drinking alcohol is part of their social life, but it’s important to understand the potential risks of drinking, especially when it comes to cancer. Substance Abuse Practitioners and Counselors can also help guide one into making better life choices with drinking and limiting consumption.
Most people are aware of the potential risks associated with drinking alcohol. Excessive drinking can lead to a number of short and long-term problems, such as liver damage, memory loss, and an increased risk of certain cancers. But what exactly is considered excessive drinking, and how does alcohol increase your risk of developing cancer?
It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with substance abuse, especially if you drink regularly.
The Link between Alcohol and Cancer
The link between alcohol and cancer is well-documented, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. Research suggests that alcohol consumption can lead to the production of certain carcinogenic compounds, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of developing cancer.
Additionally, alcohol consumption and substance abuse can lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, due to the way it affects the body. Alcohol can reduce the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, such as folic acid and vitamin A, which can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Types of Cancers Linked to Alcohol Consumption and Substance Abuse
Several types of cancer have been linked to alcohol consumption and substance abuse, including:
Breast cancer: Studies have found that women who drink alcohol are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Colorectal cancer: Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in men.
Liver cancer: Excessive drinking can lead to liver damage, which can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Oesophageal cancer: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, particularly in people who already have certain pre-existing conditions.
It’s important to note that these cancers can be caused by a number of other factors, such as smoking, diet, and genetics.
Understanding the Evidence
Before jumping to any conclusions, it’s important to understand the evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer. There have been numerous studies done on the subject, but the results can be difficult to interpret.
For example, some studies have found that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, while other studies have found that it can actually reduce the risk. How Much Alcohol Can Increase Your Risk of Cancer?
The amount of alcohol that you consume can have an effect on your risk of developing certain types of cancer. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
The WHO recommends that people should not consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and should have at least two alcohol-free days each week. Additionally, it’s important to remember Factors That Can Increase Your Risk of Cancer
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing cancer, including:
Genetics: Your genetic make-up can play a role in your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Diet: Eating a diet that is high in fat and sugar can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Age: Older people are at an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer due to age-related changes in the body.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers
There are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers:
Limit your alcohol consumption: The most important step you can take is to limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amount.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is low in saturated fat and sugar can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Alcohol and Cancer Prevention Strategies
There are a number of strategies you can use to reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers due to substance abuse:
Limit your alcohol consumption: Limiting your alcohol consumption is the most important step you can take to reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers.
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is low in saturated fat and sugar can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Manage stress: Managing stress can help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Conclusion
Drinking less can reduce chancers of drinking related cancers. Please review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Certification
It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with drinking alcohol, especially when it comes to cancer. Several types of cancer have been linked to alcohol consumption, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and oesophageal cancer.
To reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers, it’s important to limit your alcohol consumption to the recommended amount, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and manage stress. Additionally, getting regular check-ups can help catch any potential problems early.
By understanding the link between alcohol and cancer, you can make informed decisions about your drinking habits, and reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers.
Can alcohol cause cancer? The answer is yes, but with knowledge and the right precautions, you can reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Certification and see if it meets your goals and needs. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a certification in Substance Abuse Counseling
