You’re not alone if you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol misuse—and you don’t have to face it without support. At ALANA Recovery, we understand the specifics of substance use disorders (SUDs) and how the long-term effects of alcohol addiction can impact every part of life, from physical health to memory and mental clarity. For those searching for help in Georgia, taking the first step with our alcohol rehab could lead to a healthier, more fulfilling future. ALANA Recovery is here to help, providing compassionate care in a supportive setting so you or your loved one can begin to heal. Call 770.759.7474 or contact us online to learn more.
What to know about alcohol misuse
Around 29.5 million people aged 12 and over in the United States are living with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Yet, only 7.6% of them receive the treatment they deserve.1 When alcohol use begins to disrupt your health, relationships, or responsibilities, it’s time to pause and assess the impact. Drinking may begin socially, but over time, it can spiral into dependency—affecting the brain and body more deeply than many people realize.
The longer someone misuses alcohol, the more damage it can do to vital organs, including the brain. The risk of long-term effects of alcohol grows when heavy or chronic use becomes a part of daily life, which is why timely intervention matters.
What are the signs of alcohol abuse?
It’s not always easy to spot the signs of alcohol abuse—especially when drinking feels normalized in social settings. But here are some indicators that alcohol may be taking over:
- Frequent binge drinking or inability to limit alcohol intake
- Blackouts or memory lapses after drinking
- Increased tolerance, requiring more alcohol for the same effect
- Neglecting work, family, or social obligations due to alcohol
- Withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or anxiety without alcohol
If you recognize these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, it’s worth exploring the next steps toward recovery. ALANA Recovery, a Promises Behavioral Health company, is a top-rated outpatient rehab in Georgia and offers multiple paths to wellness—including support for co-occurring conditions that may be fueling alcohol misuse.
Can alcohol addiction co-occur with other mental health issues?
Yes—and often, it does. Many people turn to alcohol as a way to cope with emotional pain, trauma, or undiagnosed mental health conditions. However, over time, alcohol misuse can make these challenges even more difficult to manage.
According to the Substance Abuse the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 21.5 million adults in the United States have co-occurring disorders or a dual diagnosis of addiction and another mental health condition.2 Conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder frequently appear alongside substance use disorders.
How does alcohol addiction affect you in the long run?
Alcohol isn’t just about hangovers or regrettable choices—it can take a serious toll on your health over time. Drinking heavily for years can lead to:
- Liver damage: Conditions like cirrhosis and fatty liver are common among people who drink heavily.
- Heart issues: Long-term alcohol use can cause high blood pressure or even weaken the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
- Mental health decline: Depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation may occur.
- Digestive issues: Alcohol inflames the stomach lining and can lead to ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Brain damage: Prolonged alcohol use can lead to cognitive impairment and neurological issues.
Perhaps one of the most alarming consequences is alcohol-induced dementia, a condition that affects memory, judgment, and overall brain function.
What is alcohol-induced dementia?
Alcohol-induced dementia, sometimes referred to as alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), is a serious neurological condition. It results from long-term alcohol misuse that damages brain cells and impairs cognitive function. Chronic drinking causes thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, leading to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), often called “alcoholic dementia.”
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty forming new memories
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Confusion or disorientation
- Struggling with tasks that require planning or organization
- Changes in mood or personality
This condition can progress rapidly and may not be reversible—but in some cases, with abstinence and treatment, symptoms can improve. The sooner you or your loved one seeks help, the better the chances for stabilizing or slowing the progression of brain damage.
How alcohol rehab can help
If you’re facing the long-term effects of alcohol, including memory loss or other mental health issues, ALANA Recovery is here to help. Recovery isn’t just about stopping alcohol use—it’s about rebuilding your life and reconnecting with the person you want to be.
At our top-rated outpatient rehab in Georgia, we offer:
- Dual diagnosis care: Addressing both substance use and mental health conditions together
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): Flexible schedules that allow you to receive treatment while maintaining daily responsibilities
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms with FDA-approved medications
- Therapeutic support: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family counseling
- Aftercare and alumni programs: Staying connected and supported long after formal treatment ends
Whether you’re in the early stages of alcohol use disorder or are already seeing signs of cognitive decline, it’s never too early—or too late—to ask for help.
Move forward and get started on alcohol addiction treatment with ALANA Recovery
Alcohol-induced dementia may sound overwhelming, but healing is still possible. ALANA Recovery is more than just a treatment center—it’s a place to find hope, understanding, and real support. With programs tailored to your needs, we’re here to help you or your loved one find the strength to move forward.
Reach out to ALANA Recovery today and take your first step to moving toward a life after narcotics and alcohol. Call 770.759.7474 or contact our team online to begin your journey toward lasting recovery and mental clarity.
Footnotes:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Alcohol Use Disorder.” Accessed April 10 2025.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Accessed April 10 2025.