Alcohol is the number one substance widely available across the globe. It is why alcohol abuse is very rampant, not only in the US. But alcohol abuse affects many Americans yearly, even the healthy, athletic, and young people.
Due to the drinking culture, particularly in collegiate athletics, athletes are more at risk for alcohol abuse. Alcohol and sports don’t mix, but a lot of athletes use them frequently for a variety of reasons.
Why Do Athletes Drink Alcohol?
Like non-athletic people, athletes, especially the young ones, will travel the road of alcohol drinking. Particularly at parties where all the young people want to have fun.
Additionally, student-athletes consume more alcohol than non-athletes do. In a given month, up to 53.3% of student-athletes binge drink, compared to 41.2% of non-athletes. Student-athletes who binge drink have a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder that can last throughout their lives.
It’s best to remember that athletes are human too. They have reasons why they involve themselves in binge drinking, here are some of the reasons:
- Calming their nerves
- Coping with stress
- Social and team aspects
- Muscle soreness or pain
- Celebrating success
Does Alcohol Affect Athletes’ Healthy Body?
Excessive drinking can affect anyone’s body, even an athlete’s healthy body. The negative effects of excessive drinking do not exempt anyone. Here are the most common effects of excessive drinking on athletes:
- It can cause muscle cramps
- Long-term use can stunt bone growth
- Increase the likelihood of sports-related injury
- Weakened immune system
- Dehydration
- Impaired coordination
- Damaged kidneys and liver
- Loss of muscle mass
These are just some of the adverse effects of alcoholism on athletes.
Recovery from alcohol abuse disorder is hard, and facing withdrawal symptoms is scary but developing major organ diseases is much more terrifying.
Alcohol abuse disorder is treatable. The earlier you seek help, the faster your recovery will be. Skyward Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas, offers a holistic Alcohol Addiction Treatment that surely helps with your healing.
If you want to get away from the grasp of alcohol abuse disorder and take your life back, call us.