The Effects of Long Term Alcohol Use on Longevity

At least 100,000 deaths each year in the United States can be attributed to alcohol related causes. On average, an alcohol dependent individual lives 10 to 15 years less than non dependent individuals. Both behavioral and physiological responses to alcohol consumption can lead to a significantly reduced life span.

Alcohol Related Behaviors That Reduce Longevity

Individuals who become alcohol dependent are likely to experience reduced longevity from impulsive behaviors, if treatment is not sought at a private alcohol recovery facility. Here are a few behaviors that lead to premature death in alcohol dependent individuals.

• Crime Related Deaths
  There is a strong connection between alcohol and criminal behavior, as over 60 percent of homicides and 50 percent of crime are alcohol related.
• Suicide Deaths
  Alcohol is involved in 30 percent of suicides each year in the United States.
• Accidental Deaths
  Over time, excessive alcohol consumption destroys brain cells and can reduce oxygen supply to the brain, impairing decision making skills and cognitive abilities. Alcohol’s resulting lack of coordination and dexterity accounts for over 40 percent of accidental falls, 30 percent of accidental drownings, and 30 percent of fire-related accidents.
• Drunk Driving Deaths
  People, alcohol, and cars make a deadly combination—almost 45% of all deaths in automobile accidents are attributed to alcohol.

Alcohol Related Health Problems and Longevity

Some alcohol related deaths do not occur instantly, but affect longevity as they build over time. Here are just a few of the chronic health problems caused by alcohol dependency that remains untreated and unresolved.

• Various Cancer Deaths
  Drinking alcohol can cause irritation to the tissues in the mouth, throat, and stomach promoting cancer in those areas.
• Cirrhosis and Liver Deaths
  As alcohol enters the blood stream, the liver breaks it down. As the liver processed increasing quantities of alcohol, fat cells accumulate and the liver begins to enlarge and inflame. As the liver swells and becomes cirrhotic, it can not longer remove toxins from the blood, ultimately leading to death.
• Cardiac Deaths
  Consumption of large quantities of alcohol can result in cardiac problems such as irregular heart beats, high blood pressure, heart damage, and heart attacks.
• Deaths From Diseases and Infections
  Alcohol can weaken the body’s immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to disease.