Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in 2015 revealed that over 25 percent of adults had engaged in binge drinking in the past month, and alcohol-related causes led to an estimated 88,000 deaths annually. A 2009 study also found alcohol to be responsible for roughly 20,000 cancer deaths in the U.S.
Alcohol is a known risk factor for cancers of the head, neck, liver, colon, rectum, and breast, contributing to about 3.5 percent of all cancer-related deaths in the country. Recognizing the strong link between alcohol consumption and cancer is crucial, especially for those at higher risk due to their drinking habits.
Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can significantly improve health and lower the risk of developing certain cancers. However, quitting alcohol can be difficult and, in some cases, dangerous, especially for individuals with severe alcohol dependence.
How Alcohol Rehab Programs Can Assist
Preventing alcohol-related liver diseases starts with reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, which can greatly decrease the risk of developing various cancers. Those struggling with serious alcohol issues are particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related diseases, including cancers. For individuals facing alcohol addiction, reaching out to a rehabilitation program may provide the necessary support to address these issues.
Entering an alcohol rehab program can seem daunting, especially without knowing what to expect. However, understanding the process can ease some of the apprehension.
In cases of severe alcoholism, patients typically begin with a detoxification program upon admission. Since withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as six hours after the last drink, detox under medical supervision ensures the patient’s safety. This allows them to shift focus to addressing the psychological aspects of their addiction post-detox. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
After detox, the patient usually moves to the inpatient or residential phase of treatment, which typically lasts between 30 and 90 days depending on the facility. During inpatient care, patients receive continuous support from professionals, participate in therapy sessions, attend social activities, and engage in support groups.
Group Therapy
Group therapy plays a critical role in recovery, offering a space to strengthen social skills and discuss substance abuse-related issues alongside peers in similar situations. Topics covered in group therapy range from the 12-step process and SMART recovery to broader issues like managing cravings and preventing relapses.
Individual Therapy
While group therapy is essential, individual therapy offers a more personalized approach. It allows therapists or counselors to develop a deeper understanding of their patients, fostering trust and providing tailored care. One key component of individual therapy is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a valuable tool in addiction treatment, helping patients identify and confront specific triggers that lead to substance abuse. By recognizing these triggers, therapists and patients can work together to develop effective strategies for managing them, which can be beneficial during post-inpatient care.
Support Meetings
Support meetings, like group therapy, create an opportunity for patients to connect with others who are facing similar challenges. These meetings foster trust and camaraderie through sharing experiences, offering feedback, and giving advice. Support meetings also provide a space for patients to reflect on what they’ve learned and process their emotions. The relationships formed in these settings can lead to long-term support throughout recovery.
Activities
In addition to therapy sessions and meetings, patients in inpatient care also engage in various activities that promote social interaction and overall well-being. Some of these activities include exercise and music therapy, which help foster physical and emotional health.
After completing inpatient care, patients are typically discharged and transition to outpatient care, where they continue their recovery in a more independent setting. Outpatient care provides ongoing therapy and support, usually a few days a week while allowing patients the freedom to reintegrate into society.
Types of Alcohol-Related Cancer
When alcohol is consumed, the body metabolizes it into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can cause cancer by damaging DNA and inhibiting the body’s ability to repair this damage. When DNA becomes damaged, cells may grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of cancerous tumors. Prolonged buildup of acetaldehyde significantly increases the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers.
Oral and Neck Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that consuming more than 21 standard drinks per week is the second leading risk factor for developing oral cancer.
“Alcohol’s dehydrating effect on cell walls enhances the penetration of tobacco carcinogens into mouth tissues. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies linked to heavy drinking reduce the body’s ability to utilize antioxidants, increasing cancer risk,” according to the foundation.
Using alcohol and tobacco together intensifies the harmful effects of both substances, significantly raising the risk of cancer.
Signs of oral cancer may include red or white lesions inside the mouth, swelling, or a persistent ulcer lasting more than two weeks. If any of these symptoms are present, seeking medical attention is advised.
Liver Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, heavy drinking and alcohol abuse significantly increase the risk of liver cancer, often through the development of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing blood flow and leaving the liver permanently damaged. If left untreated, it can lead to liver failure and death.
Approximately 1 in 400 adults in the U.S. have cirrhosis, with the condition most common in those aged 45 to 54. However, the true numbers may be higher due to underdiagnosis. The inflammation and scarring caused by cirrhosis also heighten the risk of liver cancer.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Both heavy and moderate alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. While reducing alcohol intake generally lowers the risk of many alcohol-related cancers, this may not be as effective for colon and rectal cancer. Studies suggest that even light drinking—about one drink per day—can raise the risk of developing bowel cancer.
Additionally, there is evidence that colorectal cancer can be hereditary, making individuals with a family history of the disease more susceptible. Approximately 5 percent of bowel cancer cases occur in people with relatives who have also been diagnosed with the condition.
Breast Cancer
Even a few drinks per week can raise the risk of breast cancer in women, with the risk increasing alongside alcohol consumption. According to the American Cancer Society, women who consume 2 to 3 drinks daily have a 20 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to non-drinkers.
Regular screenings and early detection tests, such as mammograms, can help catch breast cancer before it spreads, making it easier to treat. The American Cancer Society notes that breast cancers found during screening exams tend to be smaller and more manageable.
Lowering Cancer Risk
For those with less severe drinking habits, reducing alcohol consumption can be an effective way to lower the risk of alcohol-related cancers. While alcohol rehab programs are an option, moderate drinking may suffice in lowering cancer risk.
The recommended alcohol intake is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor for women, with men allowed double these amounts. Avoiding heavy or binge drinking significantly reduces the likelihood of developing alcohol-related cancers.
Other key measures to reduce cancer risk include quitting tobacco, which the American Cancer Society attributes to 80% of lung cancer deaths and 30% of all cancer deaths. Combining tobacco and alcohol greatly increases cancer risk.
Additional prevention strategies include:
Regular exercise, such as 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, and a healthy diet with foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, and poultry, are linked to a lower cancer risk. Limiting processed and red meat also helps. At least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily and choosing whole grains are recommended.
Regular cancer screenings are essential for early detection, as treating cancer is often easier before symptoms develop and the disease spreads. Combining these lifestyle changes with reduced alcohol consumption—or cutting it out entirely—can help protect against cancers, including those of the mouth, liver, colon, and breast.
In Conclusion
If you suspect that a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, Sunrise’s facilities are here to help. Our alcohol treatment centers offer a range of programs focused on personalized care to support patients on their recovery journey. In addition to our treatment programs, our blog provides valuable information and motivation to individuals seeking to understand and address substance abuse. With Sunrise Recovery’s alcohol rehab, we can assist you or your loved one in returning to a healthier lifestyle.
