Alcohol use disorder (AUD) significantly impacts an individual’s health and lifespan. Many factors contribute to the varied outcomes among those affected by AUD.
General Impact on Life Expectancy
Alcohol use disorder generally reduces life expectancy. Individuals hospitalized with AUD have an average life expectancy of 47 to 53 years for men and 50 to 58 years for women, a reduction of 24 to 28 years compared to the general population. Alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of death, contributing to approximately 140,000 deaths annually in America.
Excessive alcohol use accounts for a substantial number of years of potential life lost. From 2011–2015, excessive drinking was responsible for an average of 2.7 million years of potential life lost annually in the United States. The severity and duration of AUD directly influence health and life expectancy, with long-term dependency leading to lower expectancies.
Specific Health Conditions
Chronic alcohol consumption leads to severe medical conditions that shorten lifespan. Liver disease is a prominent concern, progressing from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis involves irreversible scarring of the liver, impairing its function and potentially leading to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.
Cardiovascular problems are also associated with heavy alcohol use. These include cardiomyopathy, which is damage to the heart muscle, high blood pressure (hypertension), irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and an increased risk of stroke. Heavy and binge drinking are particularly harmful to cardiovascular health, increasing the risk for these conditions.
Alcohol consumption is a known cause of several cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, liver, breast, colon, and rectum. Alcohol damages DNA and increases inflammation, contributing to cancer development. Combining alcohol with tobacco use significantly magnifies cancer risks.
Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, is linked to chronic alcohol consumption. This condition can be painful and potentially fatal. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis, causing irreversible damage and increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Neurological damage is another serious consequence, affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Chronic alcohol use can cause brain atrophy, cognitive impairment, memory issues, and conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which results from thiamine deficiency often seen in chronic alcoholics. These effects can lead to changes in emotions, personality, and impaired perception, learning, and memory.
Alcohol also weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Heavy drinking decreases the number and function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off pathogens. This weakened immunity increases vulnerability to various infections, including pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond physiological damage, other factors contribute to a shortened lifespan for individuals with AUD. Accidents are a significant cause of premature death, including motor vehicle crashes, falls, and drownings. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the likelihood of such incidents.
Higher rates of suicide are observed among individuals with AUD. Alcohol can exacerbate mental health conditions and impair decision-making, increasing suicidal ideation and attempts. Alcohol use is also frequently involved in violent incidents.
Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are common among individuals with AUD. Socioeconomic factors, including financial instability and reduced access to healthcare, can also negatively impact health outcomes. Polysubstance use, combining alcohol with other drugs, further compounds health risks.
Improving Lifespan Through Recovery
Recovery from alcohol use disorder can significantly improve an individual’s prognosis and lifespan. Stopping or reducing alcohol consumption can halt the progression of organ damage, and in some cases, allow for partial reversal. Abstinence can lead to improvements in liver function and a decrease in high blood pressure.
Engagement in evidence-based treatment, such as therapy and medication-assisted treatment, provides structured support for recovery. Addressing co-occurring mental and physical health issues as part of a comprehensive treatment plan leads to better health outcomes. Participation in support groups offers community and accountability, beneficial for long-term sobriety.