Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Today, its use is actually an epidemic and leads to many serious consequences.
Many alcoholics drink large quantities of alcohol every day and experience negative consequences for their health. Therefore, the question of how long alcoholics live becomes very relevant.
In this article we will try to explore this topic based on scientific research and practitioner experience. We will try to show the real picture of the effect of alcohol consumption on life expectancy, and what to do to increase your chances of living longer.
Why is drinking alcohol dangerous to health?
Alcohol destroys cells and the body
Alcohol is harmful to health because it destroys the cells and tissues of the body. Frequent consumption of alcohol leads to diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, stomach and other organs. In addition, alcohol weakens the immune system and slows down metabolic processes in the body.
Alcohol worsens mental and physical health
Alcohol is harmful to health because it can cause poor attention, memory and thinking. Alcohol can also cause dizziness, cramps, and pain in the head or body. Frequent consumption of alcohol can lead to a deterioration in the emotional state, which can cause pain and suffering for the person and his loved ones.
Alcohol can cause addiction
Alcoholism is one of the most serious consequences of drinking alcohol. Frequent consumption of alcohol can lead to psychological and physical dependence, which can lead to serious social and health consequences. People with alcoholism experience difficulties in their personal, family and professional lives, and may also be prone to breaking the law and aggressive behaviour.
Results:
Alcohol is harmful to health. Frequent drinking can lead to serious physical and mental health consequences, as well as addiction and social problems. Therefore, it is important to take care of your health and drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, or stop completely.
How does alcohol affect the body?
Alcohol has a multifaceted effect on the human body, completely covering all its systems and organs. It causes disorders of the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and other systems, which can eventually lead to various diseases and serious consequences for the body.
Alcohol has a toxic effect on the nervous system, which manifests itself in the form of impaired coordination of movements, irritability, emotional instability, memory impairment and decreased concentration. In addition, it has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, causing increased blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and increased blood cholesterol levels.
Alcohol also has a negative effect on the digestive system, causing problems with the liver, pancreas and stomach. It can lead to the development of diseases such as gastritis, pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol can cause addiction. Alcoholics feel a constant need for alcohol and cannot control their consumption. Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to severe illness and even death.
- Alcohol has a toxic effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and other body systems;
- alcohol causes disorders of the digestive system and can lead to various diseases;
- Alcohol consumption can lead to addiction and serious illness.
Alcohol addiction: what is it and how does it happen?
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease associated with the physical and mental need to drink alcohol, despite its negative consequences. People with alcoholism cannot control their alcohol use and continue to use it despite problems with their health, work, relationships and other areas of their lives.
How does alcoholism happen?
Alcohol dependence occurs gradually, as a result of frequent and excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol affects the nervous system, causing euphoria and relaxation. Gradually, the alcoholic's body adapts to the constant effects of alcohol, and to get the same dose, he needs more alcohol. In addition, drinking alcohol leads to a decrease in the level of hormones responsible for happy feelings, which worsens mood and causes depression. The result is a vicious circle in which a person drinks alcohol to get a sense of satisfaction, which is very quickly replaced by discomfort and the desire to drink more.
Signs of alcohol addiction
Signs of alcoholism can manifest differently in different people, but the most common symptoms include:
- Inability to control alcohol consumption
- Have a constant desire to drink
- Abandoning normal activities in favor of drinking alcohol
- A large amount of time is spent with alcohol and alcoholics
- Lack of interest in other types of entertainment and pleasure
- Disturbances in sleep, eating and other important functions due to alcohol
- Loss of relationships with loved ones
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seek help from a drug addiction specialist to prevent the development of alcohol addiction and its negative consequences.
Consequences for alcoholics
Alcoholismis a disease that can lead to various serious consequences for human health. Serious illness, mental disorders, nervous problems are just some of them.
Organs affected by alcoholism:
- heart– with prolonged alcohol poisoning, cirrhosis of the liver occurs, which can lead to death.
- Heart and blood vessels– Alcoholism increases the risk of various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and hypertension.
- Stomach and intestines– alcohol causes irritation of the mucous membrane, which can cause stomach ulcers and various digestive disorders.
- Nervous system– Alcohol can cause nervous system disorders such as paralysis and motor coordination disorders.
In addition, alcohol can cause mental disorders such as depression and nervous exhaustion.
It is important to remember that alcohol is a poison, and it is a stimulus for various diseases. Alcoholics need professional help to overcome addiction and stay healthy.
Which alcoholics can live to old age?
Scientists have long known that alcohol dependence significantly reduces people's life expectancy. But despite this, there are cases where alcoholics live to old age.
Statistics show that alcoholics who start treatment for their addiction at a young age have a higher chance of surviving into old age. Also, alcoholics who do not have health problems and who know how to refrain from drinking alcohol have a higher chance.
Some alcoholics who live to old age say that they always control their drinking and never exceed the limit. It is also important that the alcoholic's life is filled with interests and concerns that take precedence over drinking alcohol.
However, it should be noted that alcohol dependence is always a serious problem that requires a timely solution. Therefore, although some alcoholics live to old age, this does not mean that alcoholism does not have a negative effect on their health and life.
What affects the life expectancy of an alcoholic?
Chronic alcohol use
Chronic alcohol useis the main factor that determines the life expectancy of an alcoholic. This is due to the fact that alcohol has a damaging effect on the organs and systems of the human body and can lead to various diseases and pathologies.
Amount of alcohol consumed
Amount of alcohol consumedalso plays an important role in determining the life expectancy of an alcoholic. The more alcohol a person consumes, the more harm it causes to his body. For example, people who drink more than two standard drinks per day have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis, cancer and other diseases.
The presence of concomitant diseases
The presence of concomitant diseasescan also affect the life expectancy of an alcoholic. For example, if a person already has liver, heart, lung and other organ diseases, then drinking alcohol can accelerate the development of these diseases and lead to death earlier than usual.
Gender and age
Gender and agemay also have an effect on the life expectancy of an alcoholic. For example, women are generally more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol than men and may experience more serious consequences from drinking alcohol.
In general, the life expectancy of an alcoholic depends on many factors. But the main role is the consumption of alcohol and its quantity.
Symptoms of alcoholism in the final stages
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that consists of continuous addiction to alcohol. The final stage of alcoholism is characterized by serious health and behavioral problems.
One of the main symptoms of alcoholism in the final stages is a lack of understanding of the world around us and a violation of the mental state. Patients experience low self-esteem, a strong reaction to stop drinking alcohol, and imitation of external feelings.
Representatives of the final stages of alcoholism experience a constant desire to drink, so at any opportunity they always use alcohol. They lose interest in everything except drinks, and the function of internal organs, nervous system and digestion is disturbed.
Often the painful cycle ends in premature death, so it is very important to start treatment immediately and, if possible, interrupt this dangerous addiction.
- Symptoms of alcoholism in the final stages:
- Loss of control over drinking alcohol;
- Serious health and behavior problems;
- Lack of understanding of the world around us and the affected mental state;
- Lack of confidence;
- Constant desire to drink;
- Disorders of internal organs, nervous system and digestion.
Methods to combat alcohol addiction
Drug therapy
One of the most common methods of combating alcohol addiction is drug therapy. This is the use of drugs that help reduce the desire to drink or cause discomfort when drinking alcohol. For example, drugs with the active ingredient disulfiram cause nausea and dizziness when consuming alcohol even in small doses.
Psychotherapy
Psychological methods also help fight alcohol addiction. Individual and group psychotherapy sessions help to understand the causes of alcohol addiction, learn to cope with stress and control behavior.
Rehabilitation program
Recovery programs are designed to help people with alcohol addiction. This could be inpatient treatment, drug treatment center programs, religious programs, etc. Recovery allows you not only to stop drinking alcohol, but also to learn to live without alcohol, find family and friendly relationships, and restore your health.
Self help
This is not a method, but an instruction in the fight against alcoholism. Self-help is a person's active participation in his own treatment. This might be stopping drinking alcohol, playing sports, meditating, joining a support group, writing in a diary, etc. What works for one person may not work for another, so self-help requires discovery and experimentation.
Excretion from the body
Withdrawal can help fight alcohol addiction, but it's not a method for everyone. This can be detoxification (a procedure to cleanse the body), nutrition, herbal medicine, etc. Removal from the body does not solve the main problem - psychological dependence, so it must be combined with other methods.
Conclusion:There are many methods to combat alcohol addiction, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best approach is to combine several methods. It's never too late to start fighting alcohol addiction, and experts and loved ones will help you in this.
How to cope with excessive drinking: tips and tricks
Binge drinking is a serious disease characterized by a strong desire to drink alcohol and an inability to stop. But it is possible to get out of excessive drinking, and you can do it yourself, without drug treatment.
- Determine the cause of excessive drinking.The first step to overcoming alcoholism is recognizing that you have it and identifying the cause of it. This could be stress, depression, conflict in your personal life or at work, etc.
- Plan your daily routine.A strict daily routine will help you avoid the temptation to drink the expected amount of alcohol. It is important to pay attention to healthy sleep, balanced diet and physical activity.
- Search for activities.On the one hand, alcohol brings euphoria and pleasure, on the other hand, it destroys health and personal relationships. Therefore, it is important to find activities that can be a substitute for alcohol. This could be an interest in sports, reading, learning a new language or a musical instrument.
- Looking for support.It is difficult to overcome excessive drinking on your own, so it is important to find support among friends, family or professionals. Do not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist, narcologist or support group.
- Make an appointment with a doctor.Although in certain cases you can do without drug treatment, in most cases the right specialist will help you deal with binge drinking more efficiently and quickly. Do not be ashamed to seek help from a doctor.
Question answer:
How does long-term alcohol consumption affect life expectancy?
Long-term alcohol consumption significantly reduces life expectancy. According to a 2018 study, people who drink 2-3 standard drinks per day live 1-2 years shorter on average than those who don't drink at all. The increase in mortality increases with the increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Can alcoholics live longer than non-drinkers?
This is unlikely because alcoholism is linked to the risk of serious diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, stroke and cancer. This disease tends to shorten life expectancy.
Which alcohol is less harmful to health?
No alcoholic beverage is healthy, but some types, such as red wine, contain antioxidants that may have a positive effect on heart health. However, if you consume red wine regularly, it can cause alcoholism and increase your chances of getting other diseases.
Is there a certain period during which you can drink alcohol without damaging your health?
There is no specific length of time you can drink alcohol without causing serious harm to your health. Even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Therefore, the best solution is to avoid drinking alcohol completely.
Are there ways to reduce the effects of alcohol on your health?
In general, you can reduce the health effects of alcohol by drinking fewer drinks or reducing how often you drink. If you already have a problem with alcoholism, it is important to contact a professional for support and treatment.
Can genes affect the lifespan of alcoholics?
Yes, genes in alcoholics may play a role in longevity. People with certain genes and body characteristics may be at a higher risk of developing alcoholism or more likely to develop certain diseases as a result of drinking alcohol. However, this does not necessarily mean that alcoholics with this genetic code are given a shorter lifespan. This may still depend on the amount of alcohol you drink and other factors.
How to stay healthy while drinking alcohol
Practice Simplicity
If you regularly drink alcohol, it is important to understand that excessive consumption can have a negative effect on your health. To maintain your health while drinking alcohol, you must practice moderation. Choose liquor that contains no more than 40% alcohol, drink in small doses and no more than twice a week.
Drink alcohol in combination with food
To reduce the negative effects of alcohol on the body, it is recommended to take it in combination with food. Eating allows the alcohol to remain in the stomach, which leads to a smoother effect and reduces the risk of poisoning.
Drink clean water
It is important to remember that alcohol has a dehydrating effect on the body, so it is necessary to drink enough clean water. You can drink water before, during and after drinking alcohol, which will help replenish fluid loss and prevent dehydration.
Do not mix different types of alcohol
Mixing different types of alcohol can lead to serious health consequences. This can result in large doses of toxic substances affecting the body. Avoid mixing different types of alcohol and limit yourself to one drink at a time.
Do not drink alcohol when you are sick
Drinking alcohol when you are sick can make your condition worse. Also, alcohol can interact with your medications, which can also have a negative effect on your health. Therefore, if you have an infection, flu or other illness, you should stop drinking alcohol for a while.