Alcohol abuse can lead to brain shrinkage, impairments in memory and learning abilities, and an increased risk of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, heavy drinkers often experience blackouts, which are intervals of time where they cannot recall events that occurred while intoxicated. Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of chronic diseases, which can contribute to a reduced lifespan.
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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. Alcoholism is often ranked on a four-stage scale, ranging from pre-alcoholism to late alcoholism, end-stage alcoholism, and finally, death. End-stage alcoholics are also at a high risk of dying from accidents, trauma and suicide. Cirrhosis can cause a host of other health problems, including high blood pressure, which can lead to the development of enlarged veins in the esophagus called esophageal varices.
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This can lead to heart failure and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, ultimately impacting life expectancy. Research has shown that the life expectancy of individuals with alcohol use disorder can be significantly shorter compared to those without the disorder. However, it’s important to note that individual circumstances and factors such as co-occurring medical conditions and lifestyle choices can further influence life expectancy. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to degenerative pathologies in the brain.
Watching a loved one endure the end stages of alcoholism can be frustrating and lonely. 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. For those who need help and don’t want it, intervention may be the only alternative. Over time there is a progression of liver disease from hepatitis (inflammation) to fibrosis (hardening) and eventually to scarring of the tissue (cirrhosis).
- Blood alcohol levels peak about minutes later, and within a few hours, the alcohol will be broken down through metabolism and the liver.
- Because of the severity of the disease, medically monitored alcohol detox is a necessity.
- This may involve addressing co-occurring mental health disorders, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and integrating support systems that extend beyond the initial stages of recovery.
- They are effective in reducing HIV transmission and do not increase rates of community drug use 3.
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Building a supportive network is crucial for individuals in recovery. 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 adult children of alcoholic trauma syndrome counseling can also aid in addressing underlying issues and building a strong support system.
In 2019, it affected14.5 millionAmericans aged 12 and older, or5.3%of the population. If you find that you are suffering from the effects of long-term alcohol use and are ready to get and stay sober, please contact Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat for help. We are uniquely equipped to help you recover from an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) often co-occurs with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate the negative effects of alcohol abuse and further decrease life expectancy. Understanding and addressing these social factors alongside medical and behavioral factors is essential in improving the outcomes and life expectancy of individuals with alcoholism.
Discover inpatient detox facilities, their processes, support, and holistic care options for lasting recovery. Explore the opioid epidemic and drugs in America — understand addiction and discover paths to recovery. Some of the genes that affect the risk for alcoholism have been identified, and they include genes related to alcohol metabolism such as ADH1B and ALDH2. These genes have the strongest known effects on the risk for alcoholism.
Providing support, therapy, and interventions aimed at strengthening their mental well-being can help mitigate the long-term effects and promote healthier outcomes in their lives. Studies indicate that liver cirrhosis and cancers are among the leading causes of death in alcoholics, reducing their life expectancy by 10 to 12 years. Alcohol dependence has been identified as the third leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States.