After all, a serving of alcohol is a 12-ounce beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol.1 Most people have more than that at happy hour or on the weekend. We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness. We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful.

• Further exploration and analysis of the study results revealed that people who drank beer or spirits, as well as binge drinkers, had the highest risk for mortality from all causes.
• Relocating to Hemet in 2006, Melinda took a position on the Telemetry Unit at Hemet Valley Medical Center, as well as a Per Diem position at Hemet Valley Recovery Center.
• These physiological changes contribute to the increasing tolerance seen in early-stage alcoholics.
• These co-occurring conditions can worsen the overall health of individuals and contribute to a shorter life expectancy.

Making positive changes and adopting healthy habits can have a profound impact on long-term health outcomes. Here are some steps to improve life expectancy, tips for maintaining sobriety, and the importance of building a supportive network. A study published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism found that the average life expectancy of individuals with alcoholism was significantly lower compared to the general population. The study examined the life expectancy of over 1,000 alcohol-dependent individuals and found that they had a reduced lifespan by approximately 10 to 12 years compared to non-alcohol-dependent individuals. If you are an alcoholic or a person who regularly abuses alcohol it can severely decrease your life expectancy and longevity of living a healthy life. This is not only because of the short and long-term health consequences, but also due to the risky behavior that can cause mortality or dangerous events to occur.

Asking the Person to Stop Drinking

The average lifespan in the UK is 81 years old [10], whereas the overall average lifespan of an alcoholic is 52 years old [2]. Surrounding oneself with positive influences, understanding friends, and family members can provide the necessary support during challenging times. Supportive networks can offer encouragement, accountability, and help individuals stay motivated on their path to sobriety. Seeking therapy or counseling can also aid in addressing underlying issues and building a strong support system. We treat alcohol withdrawal and detox very seriously, as it can potentially be life-threatening if it is not treated properly or by a medical professional. We consider our program to be overstaffed, and we do this so that each of our clients has individual care, around the clock so that they are never feeling alone.

• The risks are heightened if you suffer from mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.
• Some individuals may need additional help breaking their addiction to alcohol.
• Those biological changes pave the way for the second stage, which is marked by a physical dependence on the drug.
• Lean on the people around you, and, if you need to, reach out to a mental health professional to speak about your stress and what you’re going through.
• A poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, stress, and disturbed sleep patterns can all contribute to a range of health problems and a shorter lifespan.

For that reason, “some people might lose weight when they stop drinking,” James J. Galligan, Ph.D., a professor of pharmacology and toxicology and director of the neuroscience program at Michigan State University, tells SELF. How fast you’d potentially lose weight ultimately depends on how much you were drinking beforehand. However, in the long-term AUDs are known to aggravate these symptoms and may even contribute to the development of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and depression in those who would not have experienced them otherwise.

Get Treatment for Alcohol Abuse Before It’s Too Late

Recognizing the importance of seeking help for alcoholism is the first step towards recovery and improving life expectancy. Alcoholism is a complex and chronic disease that often requires professional intervention and support. Without proper treatment, the negative impact on physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life can be significant. Alcoholism is a serious condition that can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Seeking treatment and support is crucial for individuals struggling with alcoholism to improve their well-being and potentially extend their life expectancy. Cardiovascular problems are also prevalent among individuals with alcoholism.

“Although non-fatal heart attacks are 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. Laura Morris is an experienced clinical practitioner and CQC Registered Manager with over twenty years experience, over ten of which have been as an Independent Nurse Prescriber. She has held a number of senior leadership roles in the substance use and mental health sector in the NHS, the prison service and in leading social enterprises in the field. By seeking help, individuals with alcoholism can access a range of resources and interventions designed to address their specific needs.

The Experience Blog

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, compromised immune function, neurological disorders, and an increased risk of cancer. Understanding the factors that influence life expectancy in individuals struggling with alcoholism is essential for comprehending the impact this disease can have on one’s overall how long do alcoholics live health and well-being. Several key factors contribute to the potential decrease in life expectancy among alcoholics. These include the health consequences of alcoholism, co-occurring medical conditions, and lifestyle factors and behavior. Life expectancy was 24–28 years shorter in people with alcohol use disorder than in the general population.

Ryan began his career at Hemet Valley Medical Center in 2007 as a Public Safety Officer, helping to ensure hospital safety and security for 6 years. In 2013 Ryan transferred to the Surgery Department, initially assisting with patient transport, and then advancing to the role of Sterilization Tech. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

It is not uncommon for individuals with AUD to experience conflict with family and friends, and have drinking negatively impact their job, schooling, and overall safety. When you call our helpline, you’ll be connected with a representative who can assist you in finding mental health and addiction treatment resources at any of the Ark Behavioral Health addiction treatment facilities. 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. At Diamond House Detox, we offer alcohol addiction holistic treatment services to aid you in recovery. Appreciate medication adjustment services and individualized treatment tailored to your needs.

• If you’re an otherwise healthy person, Dr. Galligan says it should take your immune system just a few weeks to bounce back.
• She takes this knowledge and experience and uses it to best help her patients, often achieving results that her patients never thought possible.
• This in itself reduces life expectancy, as sufferers were up to 7 times more likely to die before the age of 75 [28].
• Until they begin to contemplate quitting, any actions you take to “help” them quit will often be met with resistance.
• Keep in mind that someone with alcohol dependence usually goes through a few stages before they are ready to make a change.

Dr. Raja values the patient-physician relationship and makes every effort to build trust and confidence as he goes to great lengths to make sure the experience is as pleasant as possible for his patients. His attention to detail ensures the valued healthcare delivered in his practice. With a management background, Kristal brings with her many skills including an advanced understanding of computer technology, administrative organization, multi-tasking and excellent customer service. Her educational plans include obtaining her CADC certification, as well a greater understanding of the licensure and regulatory requirements as related to chemical dependency treatment. As a support to all, Kristal is committed to giving her undivided attention to all who seek her assistance. For some people, heart damage from alcohol overuse isn’t reversible after any amount of time.

Research on Life Expectancy of Alcoholics

If your vacation from alcohol is temporary, proceed with caution when you start drinking again. “Even moderate drinkers who stop drinking for two months tend to overdrink when they start again,” Dr. Koob says. Nobody really knows why, he says, but it seems to be some kind of overcompensation for the time you lost. It may be that your drinking habits calm down after the novelty of celebrating a month or two of sobriety wears off, but Dr. Koob says it’s important to keep it on your radar so you can avoid overdoing it.