Alcohol is one of the main causes of death in the world. Today, its use is actually epidemic and leads to many serious consequences.
Many alcoholics drink large amounts of alcohol every day and experience negative health consequences. Therefore, the question of how long alcoholics live becomes especially relevant.
In this article, we will try to explore this topic based on scientific research and the experience of practitioners. We will try to show the real picture of the effect of alcohol consumption on life expectancy and what you can do to increase your chances of living a long life.
Why are alcoholic beverages harmful to health?
Alcohol destroys cells and the body
Alcohol is harmful to health because it destroys the cells and tissues of the body. Regular use of alcohol causes 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 impairs mental and physical health
Alcohol is harmful to health because it can cause impaired attention, memory and thinking. Alcohol can also cause dizziness, cramps, and pain in the head or body. Regular consumption of alcohol can lead to deterioration of the emotional state, which can cause pain and suffering to the person and their loved ones.
Alcohol can be addictive
Alcoholism is one of the most serious consequences of alcohol consumption. Regular use of alcohol can lead to psychological and physical dependence, which can have serious social and health consequences. People suffering from alcoholism experience difficulties in their personal, family and work lives, and may also be prone to breaking the law and engaging in aggressive behavior.
Result:
Alcohol is harmful to health. Regular 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 alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
How does alcohol affect the body?
Alcohol has a multifaceted effect on the human body, it completely covers all its systems and organs. This causes disruption of the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive and other systems, which can ultimately 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 an increase in blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood.
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 cirrhosis of the liver.
It should be noted that alcoholic beverages can cause addiction. Alcoholics feel a constant need for alcohol and cannot control their consumption. Long-term alcohol consumption can cause serious illness and even death.
- Alcohol has a toxic effect on nervous, cardiovascular and other body systems;
- alcohol causes disorders of the digestive system and can cause various diseases;
- Alcohol consumption can lead to addiction and serious diseases.
Alcohol addiction: what is it and how does it happen?
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease associated with the physical and mental need to drink alcohol, despite its negative consequences. People suffering from alcohol dependence cannot control their alcohol consumption and continue to drink even when problems arise in their health, work, relationships and other areas of life.
How does alcohol addiction occur?
Alcohol addiction occurs gradually as a result of regular and excessive consumption of alcohol. Alcohol affects the nervous system, creates a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Gradually, the alcoholic's body adapts to the constant effects of alcohol, and it needs more and more alcohol to get the same dose. In addition, drinking alcohol leads to a decrease in the level of hormones responsible for feelings of happiness, which worsens mood and causes depression. The result is a vicious circle in which a person drinks alcohol to gain a sense of satisfaction, which is very quickly replaced by anxiety and the desire to drink more.
Signs of alcohol addiction
The symptoms of alcohol addiction can manifest themselves differently in different people, but the most common symptoms are:
- Inability to control alcohol consumption
- Having a constant desire to drink
- Abandoning normal activities in favor of alcoholic beverages
- Spending too much time around alcohol and alcoholics
- Lack of interest in other types of entertainment and entertainment
- Disruption of sleep, eating and other vital functions due to alcohol
- Damage to relationships with loved ones
If you see these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, seek help from an addiction specialist to prevent the development of alcohol addiction and its negative consequences.
Complications for alcoholism
Alcoholismit is a disease that can cause various serious consequences for human health. Serious illnesses, mental disorders, neurological problems are just a few of them.
Organs affected by alcoholism:
- Liver- long-term alcohol poisoning leads to cirrhosis of the liver, 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 lead to stomach ulcers and various digestive disorders.
- Nervous system– Alcoholism can cause nervous system disorders such as paralysis and impaired motor coordination.
In addition, alcoholism can cause mental disorders such as depression and nervous exhaustion.
It should be remembered that alcohol is a poison and a stimulus for various diseases. Alcoholics need professional help to recover from addiction and stay healthy.
Which alcoholics can live to old age?
Scientists have long observed that alcohol addiction significantly reduces the lifespan of people. But despite this, there are cases where alcoholics live to old age.
Statistics show that alcoholics who start addiction treatment at a young age have a higher chance of surviving to old age. Also, alcoholics who do not have health problems and know how to abstain from alcohol have a higher chance.
Some alcoholics who live to their prime say that they have always controlled their drinking and never overeat. It is also important that the alcoholic's life is full of interests and concerns that outweigh the alcohol itself.
However, it should be noted that alcohol addiction is a serious problem that always requires a timely solution. So, even if some alcoholics live to old age, it does not mean that alcohol addiction did not have a negative impact on their health and life.
What affects the life of an alcoholic?
Chronic alcohol consumption
Chronic alcohol consumptionis the main factor that determines the life of an alcoholic. This is due to the fact that alcohol has a destructive effect on the organs and systems of the human body and can cause numerous diseases and pathologies.
Amount of alcohol consumed
Amount of alcohol consumedIt also plays an important role in determining the lifespan of an alcoholic. The more alcohol a person consumes, the more harm he does to his body. For example, people who drink more than two standard drinks a day have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis, cancer and other diseases.
The presence of accompanying diseases
The presence of accompanying diseasescan also affect the life of an alcoholic. For example, if a person already suffers from diseases of the liver, heart, lungs and other organs, then drinking alcohol can accelerate the development of these diseases and cause death sooner than usual.
Gender and age
Gender and agecan also affect the life of an alcoholic. For example, women are generally more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than men, and drinking alcohol can have more serious consequences.
In general, the life of an alcoholic depends on many factors. But the main role is alcohol consumption and its quantity.
Symptoms of late-stage alcoholism
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that consists of constant alcohol dependence. End-stage alcoholism is characterized by serious health and behavioral problems.
One of the main symptoms of late-stage alcoholism is a lack of understanding of the world around us and a mental breakdown. Patients experience low self-esteem, a strong reaction to the cessation of alcohol intake, and external imitation of feelings.
Representatives of the last stage of alcoholism have a constant desire to drink, so they always use alcohol at any opportunity. He loses interest in everything except drinking, the functioning of internal organs, nervous system, digestive system is disturbed.
Often the painful period ends with premature death, so it is very important to start treatment immediately and stop this dangerous addiction if possible.
- Symptoms of late-stage alcoholism:
- Loss of control over alcoholic beverages;
- Serious health and behavioral problems;
- Not understanding the world around us and disrupting the mental state;
- Self-confident;
- Constant desire to drink;
- Disorders of internal organs, nervous system and digestive system.
Methods of combating alcohol addiction
Drug therapy
One of the most common methods of combating alcohol addiction is drug treatment. This is the use of drugs that reduce the desire to drink or cause anxiety when drinking alcohol. For example, a drug whose active ingredient is disulfiram causes nausea and dizziness when consuming even small doses of alcohol.
Psychotherapy
Psychological methods also help in the fight against alcohol addiction. Individual and group psychotherapy sessions help to understand the causes of alcohol addiction, learn to cope with stress and control behavior.
Rehabilitation programs
Rehabilitation programs are designed to help people suffering from alcohol addiction. This includes inpatient treatment, drug center programs, religious programs, and more. can be. Rehabilitation not only allows you to stop drinking alcohol, but also to learn to live without it, find family and friendships, and restore your health.
Help yourself
This is not a method, but a direction in the fight against alcohol addiction. Self-help is the active participation of a person in his own treatment. This can include giving up alcohol, exercising, meditating, joining support groups, journaling, and more. can be. What helps one may not help another, so self-help requires discovery and practice.
Elimination from the body
Withdrawal can help you fight alcohol addiction, but it's not the method for everyone. This includes detoxification (a body cleansing procedure), nutrition, herbal medicine, etc. can be. Withdrawal from the body does not solve the main problem - psychological addiction, so it must be combined with other methods.
Result:There are many ways to fight 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 professionals and loved ones will help you with this.
How to beat drinking: tips and tricks
Binge drinking is a serious disorder characterized by a strong desire to drink alcohol and an inability to stop. But it is possible to get rid of excessive drinking, and you can do it yourself without medication.
- Identifying the causes of heavy drinking.The first step to overcoming binge drinking is admitting you have it and identifying the reasons behind it. This can be stress, depression, conflicts in your personal life or work, etc. can be.
- 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 focus on healthy sleep, balanced nutrition and physical activity.
- Search for activities.Drinking too much brings euphoria and pleasure on the one hand, but on the other hand it destroys health and personal relationships. Therefore, it is important to find an activity that can replace alcohol. It can be a passion for sports, reading, learning new languages or musical instruments.
- Find support.Binge drinking is difficult to overcome on your own, so it's important to find support from friends, family or professionals. Don't be afraid to seek help from a psychologist, drug addict, or support group.
- Make an appointment with a doctor.Although in some cases you can do without drug treatment, in most cases the right specialist will help you cope with drinking more effectively and quickly. Don't be ashamed to ask a doctor for help.
Question and 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 an average of 1-2 years shorter than those who don't drink at all. The increase in the number of deaths increases with the increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Can alcoholics live longer than non-drinkers?
This is impossible because alcoholism is associated with the risk of serious diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, stroke and cancer. These diseases shorten the life span.
Which alcohol is less harmful to health?
No alcoholic beverage is healthy, but some types, such as red wine, contain antioxidants that may have positive effects on heart health. However, if you regularly consume red wine, it can lead to alcoholism and increase the chances of developing other diseases.
Is there a certain period when you can drink alcohol without harming your health?
There is no specific period when you can drink alcohol without seriously harming your health. Even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Therefore, the best solution is to completely give up alcohol.
Is there a way to reduce the effects of alcohol on your health?
In general, you can reduce the health effects of alcohol by drinking less or less often. If you already have a problem with alcoholism, it is important to seek professional support and treatment.
Can genes affect the lifespan of alcoholics?
Yes, genes in alcoholics can play a role in longevity. People with certain genes and body characteristics may have a higher risk of developing alcohol dependence or are 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 destined to have a shorter lifespan. It may still depend on the amount of alcohol you drink and other factors.
How to Stay Healthy While Drinking Alcohol
Practice moderation
If you drink alcohol regularly, it's important to understand that excessive consumption can have a negative effect on your health. When drinking alcohol, you should practice moderation to protect your health. Choose strong drinks with an alcohol content of no more than 40%, drink them in small doses and no more than twice a week.
Drink alcohol with food
To reduce the negative effects of alcohol on the body, it is recommended to consume it with food. Eating allows 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, this will help replenish fluid loss and prevent dehydration.
Do not mix different types of alcohol
Mixing different types of alcohol can have serious health consequences. This can result in a large dose of toxic substance 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 during illness can make your condition worse. In addition, alcohol can interact with your medications, which can negatively affect your health. Therefore, if you have an infection, flu or other illness, you should temporarily give up alcohol.