Yes, seeking treatment for alcoholism can help mitigate the impact of the disease on life expectancy. By making lifestyle changes and receiving professional care, individuals with alcohol addiction can improve their overall health and increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. Several studies have consistently shown that long-term excessive alcohol consumption significantly reduces life expectancy. The findings indicate that alcoholics tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to individuals who do not engage in heavy drinking. Fortunately, with the proper treatment and support, an individual struggling with alcohol addiction can significantly improve their overall health and life expectancy. When seeking help from a professional treatment center like Woodland Recovery Center, individuals can learn how to manage their addiction and make positive changes in their lives.
How to Plan for Life After Rehab
Over 40,000 people in the US die from alcohol-related cirrhosis every year. Health conditions caused by end stage alcoholism can include fatigue, malnutrition, jaundice, heart failure, anemia, alcohol dementia, and cirrhosis. When the liver can no longer metabolize the alcohol quickly enough, it will send it back into the bloodstream.
- This damage can eventually result in fatal conditions like cirrhosis and liver failure.
- This can also lead to anemia when your red blood cell (RBC) count is lower than normal or there’s a problem with the hemoglobin protein inside those cells.
- Frequent heavy drinking is also linked to a higher risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Then Why Do Some Chronic Drinkers Appear to Live Longer?
These challenges can impact their academic performance, mental health, and ability to cope throughout their lives. The cycle of alcoholism can perpetuate intergenerational emotional distress and strain in familial relationships. Alcoholism not only takes a toll on physical health but also has a profound impact on relationships and emotional well-being. The social and emotional consequences of alcoholism can be devastating, affecting both the individual struggling with alcohol abuse and their loved ones. The why do some alcoholics live so long link between alcohol and cancer is strong enough that the American Society of Clinical Oncology came out with a new warning in November underscoring associations between drinking and at least seven types of cancer. The relationship between alcohol and breast cancer has been particularly well-studied, with scientists theorizing that alcohol may increase estrogen levels and therefore feed breast cancer.
Other Support Services
The feeling of powerlessness is stifling as you watch someone you care about slowly deteriorate physically and mentally while they may even continue to refuse to admit their drinking is problematic. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of the end stages of alcoholism, the effects it may have on health, and what you can do to get the help and support you or your loved one need. As alcoholics alcohol rehab tend to drink progressively more they will generally conceal the frequency and amount they drink.
- Treatment also saves costs in health care and criminal justice expenses.
- Dr Devanshi Seth has more than 25 years of training and experience as a molecular biologist in the biotechnology industry and more recently in public health, with 10 years of contribution towards alcohol research.
- A 2021 study found men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide.
- It is a complex disorder that can range from mild to severe, depending on the symptoms and their impact on an individual’s life.
Health News
Understanding the life expectancy of individuals struggling with alcoholism is crucial in comprehending the impact of this disorder on overall health and mortality rates. Understanding the definition of alcoholism and its profound impact on health is crucial for recognizing the seriousness of the disorder. Seeking early intervention and appropriate treatment options can help individuals with alcoholism regain control of their lives, improve health outcomes, and enhance overall well-being.
- Learn how to identify signs and ask, “Is your teen an alcoholic?” Get the facts and find support.
- Explore effective ways to reduce alcohol use, understand health risks, and discover treatment options.
- Research has also highlighted variations in the life expectancy of alcoholics among different demographics.
- So yes, the risk is real – even if you’re not drinking every single day or to blackout.
- It’s important to know that no matter what stage, recovery is possible.
- Alcoholism increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.
