In stage one, your drinking behavior may be what many people consider “normal.”  You might have a few drinks with friends, enjoy a couple of beers after work or drink a glass or two of wine with your dinner. What makes this behavior dangerous is the motivation behind your alcohol use. In early stages, if you’re drinking to deal with stress or anxiety and you’re progressively drinking larger amounts of alcohol to get intoxicated, you could be in the pre-alcoholic stage. “Although non-fatal heart attacks are how long do alcoholics live less likely in people who drink, this benefit is swamped by the increased risk of other forms of heart disease including fatal heart attacks and stroke.” The study of 600,000 drinkers estimated that having 10 to 15 alcoholic drinks every week could shorten a person’s life by between one and two years. Patients admitted to the hospital are also much more likely to exhibit violent, reckless behaviour, with some chronic drinkers even exhibiting suicidal behaviour due to developing mental health disorders [5].

She started to further her knowledge in the Utilization Review Department in 2013. In 2017 she became the Director of Utilization Review Services where she is the liaison between the patient and the insurance company to ensure the best level of care is authorized. According to one major study, approximately 10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to alcohol consumption.

What is the Average Age of Death for an Alcoholic?

The average lifespan of an alcoholic tends to be shorter than that of the general public because heavy drinking on a regular and long-term basis can increase the risk of developing several life-threatening diseases and conditions. She brings with her over 25 years of experience and knowledge surrounding substance abuse, the disease of addiction, and the impact of this illness on patients, families and the community. She is a Licensed Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, and has a Master’s Degree in Counseling/ Psychology.

The life expectancy for alcoholics may also be shortened by a variety of cancers as well. Cancer can develop because of damage to cells and tissues in the body from prolonged alcohol use. The areas most likely impacted include the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and esophagus. Excessive consumption of alcohol can have detrimental effects on a person’s physical well-being, particularly when it is misused over a prolonged period. The result may be a series of ailments and illnesses that can significantly shorten an alcoholic’s life. While in the United States, alcohol may be legal for people of a certain age, Vertava Health Mississippi knows that it doesn’t make this substance entirely safe.

Studies With Weak or No Links Between Alcohol Intake and Longevity

As this alcohol-rich blood is pumped throughout your body, the alcohol affects every single organ and cell, leading to dramatic changes in how your body functions. They found people who drank the equivalent of about five to 10 drinks a week could shorten their lives by up to six months. And they warned that people who drink more than 18 drinks a week could lose four to five years of their lives. Regularly drinking above the UK alcohol guidelines can take years off your life, according to a major report. Studies suggest that maintaining sobriety for 7 years minimum is the best way to minimise any permanent harm to a person’s physical health [17]. Research also suggests that drinking at this level often can lead to weight gain, putting unnecessary strain on the heart and leading to heart failure [8].

Risk thresholds for alcohol consumption: combined analysis of individual-participant data for 599 912 current drinkers … – The Lancet

Risk thresholds for alcohol consumption: combined analysis of individual-participant data for 599 912 current drinkers ….

Posted: Sat, 14 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]