There are many negative aspects to consuming alcohol on a consistent basis. Most of these negative affects are well-known by the public, while other harmful affects are only understood through further research and learning. For men, one of the harmful side-effects to alcohol addiction include that of lowered testosterone levels.
Lowered testosterone levels within the male body can differ with the amounts of alcohol consumed as well as the weight and physical healthiness of the person drinking. In binge drinking situations, testosterone may be diminished for a few hours or a few days. To overcompensate for these low levels, the body overproduces testosterone, causing male aggression levels to skyrocket. This may result in drunken aggression and/or episodes of intense anger.
If alcohol is consumed on a more regular basis, these levels may begin to lower consistently, causing the body to get used to the idea of not having so much testosterone within it. In these cases, several harmful side-effects may result.
These side-effects for men, may include, but are not limited to:
* Lowered sex drive
* Erectile dysfunction
* Consistent fatigue
* Shrinking of the testes
* Depression or suicidal tendencies/thoughts
* Increase in weight
* Irritability and/or consistent mood swings
* Loss of body hair
* Higher risk of heart disease
* Loss of muscle mass
* Increase in appetite
* Increase of fatty composite in pectoral area of body
It is clear that consuming alcohol on a regular basis can cause unhealthy and unpleasant physical changes in men. There are ways to counteract the diminishing testosterone levels through over-drinking, although this will not cure the situation. Through lowering stress levels and regular exercise, a man can increase the testosterone within his body on a very minimal level.
If you or someone you know if suffering from an addiction to alcohol it is always best to immediately consult with a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Professionals that operate and assist with these programs deal with cases of alcohol addiction each and every day. In asking them questions and better understanding rehab, you may feel more comfortable joining a program or assisting a loved one in doing so.
Within these rehabilitation centers, doctors can provide the proper medical attention needed to come down off of alcohol as an abused substance. Always know that it is never too late to turn your health around, and to also increase the positive side of your overall lifestyle.