This information will shock you: more than 15 million people in the US meet the criteria for alcohol dependence or abuse. And what's worse is the age group shows that the youth are the most vulnerable. One of the unknown killers relating to this is alcoholic ketoacidosis.
If you want to learn more about this condition, we at Transcend Recovery Community are here to answer all your questions and share valuable information on how this condition affects the body and how you can get help from it. Read on to find out more.
What is Alcoholic Ketoacidosis?
Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that can result from heavy alcohol use over a long period. It occurs when there are high levels of ketones in the blood, which can lead to coma and even death.
Alcoholic ketoacidosis occurs when your body has too much acetate and not enough glucose, which can happen if you drink heavily for an extended time. Acetate is a byproduct of alcohol breakdown; the more alcohol you consume, the more acetate your body produces. The lack of glucose causes your body to produce more ketones, which are then released into the bloodstream. This is how alcoholic ketoacidosis comes about—too many ketones in an environment with too little glucose.
The symptoms of alcoholic ketoacidosis include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- confusion or unconsciousness
- hypoglycemia
If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours or days after onset.
How Does Alcoholic Ketoacidosis Kill You?
We are all aware of alcohol's effects on the body and how it can drastically worsen our system for long periods if we continuously engage in alcohol dependency. This also remains true with alcoholic ketoacidosis. It may kill you in many ways:
1. From alcohol poisoning, which occurs when your body has absorbed more ethanol than it can process and break down. This can lead to brain damage and even death.
2. From dehydration, which occurs when you're vomiting or have diarrhea and can't keep water down. Dehydration can cause seizures, organ failure, and even death.
3. From electrolyte imbalances (like low levels of potassium), which occur when you drink too much in a short period and then don't eat enough food to replenish your body's reserves. Electrolyte imbalances also come with their risks for organ failure and death if left untreated for too long—sometimes just hours after consuming alcohol!
4. From hypothermia (low body temperature), which occurs when you consume too much alcohol on top of being exposed to very cold temperatures for an extended time (months) without adequate shelter or clothing to protect yourself from the elements.
To help avoid alcoholic ketoacidosis from worsening inpatient and outpatient drug rehab may be recommended for people suffering from this condition to help their condition stabilize.
Alcohol Abuse Explained
Alcohol abuse impacts many different parts of the body—the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and more—and can cause a variety of serious health problems.
The most well-known effect of alcohol addiction is its impact on the brain. Alcohol interferes with normal brain function by interfering with neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
These neurotransmitters are responsible for mood regulation and other important processes in the brain. When they are disrupted by alcohol dependence, it can lead to serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.
Another important impact of the abuse of alcohol is on the heart and circulatory system. People who drink heavily over time may develop high blood pressure or experience irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). These conditions can be fatal if left untreated or if they worsen over time.
People who suffer from severe forms of alcohol and substance abuse may be required to undergo an individualized intensive program (IIP) for rehabilitation. It may last for as short as 3 months to a year depending on their condition as well as their response to the program and willingness to recover.
Most often, some individuals may suffer from alcohol withdrawal especially if they have stopped drinking for long periods. In these cases, they may benefit from exploring different avenues of recovery assistance.
For example, sober living allows them to recover while being in a safe and positive space where they are encouraged and motivated to grow and improve their well-being. These can be in the form of recovery homes or transitional houses where fellow residents and mental health and recovery professionals are with them all the time as they progress slowly toward long-term sobriety.
Sober escorts are individuals who are very helpful in these instances too. They ensure that newly-rehabilitated persons would not relapse and succumb to substance abuse. These people can also help during the crucial period of alcohol withdrawal too.
Can Transcend Recovery Community Assist Those Dealing with Alcoholism?
Transcend Recovery Community can surely help anyone suffering from alcoholism and alcoholic ketoacidosis get better. As recovery assistance experts, we work closely with medical and rehabilitation professionals to ensure that proper care and support are given to people in recovery.
We are equipped with proper techniques and facilities to help hasten their recovery progress. If you want to learn more about what we can offer you, don't hesitate to contact us and talk to our recovery specialist right away.
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