Recent studies show that 28 percent of those with chronic pain turn to alcohol as a remedy. While this substance does provide some temporary relief, the risks attached can worsen pain over time and cause additional lifelong problems.
Chronic pain victims will often not only turn to alcohol but combine it with pain medications. The drowsiness related to both causes a synergistic effect when mixed, leading to liver failure, stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding. Avoiding the use of liquor as a chronic pain remedy can be a preventative measure to avoid the need to enter alcohol treatment centers.
The doses of alcohol needed to actually generate pain relief are also well above the guidelines for daily moderate use. The more alcohol a patient consumes, the more tolerant they will become, seeking more in order to relieve pain. This tolerance can lead to a vicious cycle that turns into dependence and eventually addiction, forcing patients into treatment centers.
Liquor can also disrupt sleep cycles that may already be disturbed due to chronic pain. Over time, if a patient decides liquor is no longer the answer, withdrawal effects can even worsen chronic pain and undo any perceived previous relief. Alcohol proves far too dangerous to be considered as a viable remedy for chronic pain and often only adds to the long-term pain.
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