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Ten to fifteen percent of alcoholics will develop cirrhosis, a later stage of liver disease that is not reversible. This study showed that people with AUD had a four-fold greater risk of premature death than people in the general population, and people with AUD died on average 24–28 years earlier than people how long do alcoholics live in the general population. Previous studies showed the mortality risk to be two- to six-fold greater in people with AUD . A major limitation of this study was the inclusion of patients from inpatient care only, which may have caused selection bias towards AUD patients with the most severe health problems.
Panic disorder can develop or worsen as a direct result of long-term alcohol misuse. Alcoholics may also require treatment for other psychotropic drug addictions and drug dependencies. Benzodiazepines may be used legally, if they are prescribed by doctors for anxiety problems or other mood disorders, or they may be purchased as illegal drugs. Benzodiazepine use increases cravings for alcohol and the volume of alcohol consumed by problem drinkers. Benzodiazepine dependency requires careful reduction in dosage to avoid benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and other health consequences. Dependence on other sedative-hypnotics such as zolpidem and zopiclone as well as opiates and illegal drugs is common in alcoholics.
DNA damage
An alcoholic’s life expectancy may also be shortened by a variety of cancers as well. According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol abuse accounts for 4% of all cancer deaths and about 6% of all cancers in the United States. Alcohol abuse has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in the liver, breast, mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, stomach, and colon. A common reason for health problems and deaths from alcoholism is liver disease.
When a person with alcoholism reaches end stagealcoholism, they have reached a point that is dramatically different from the initial stages. During the early stages of the disease, the person may drink heavily and may experience hangovers in between drinking episodes. However, during the end stage, the addiction has taken over, and the person may no longer be able to control their drinking impulses. Alcohol is a toxin that in excess can cause serious damage to a person’s physical health, especially with prolonged abuse. The result may be a series of ailments and illnesses that can significantly shorten an alcoholic’s life. Steven Collier RN is one of the co founders of the Hemet Valley Recovery Center and owner of Addiction Medicine Services Inc.
Life Expectancies Of Those With Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
All of these drinking habits can reduce a person’s life expectancy and, in some cases, end life right there. Miscarriage – Pregnant women who drink risk miscarriage or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. A person who binge drinks while taking stimulants could suffer lethal arrhythmia. Mixing alcohol and depressant drugs can slow the heart to a stop.
