Most people with an alcohol use disorder progress through three typical stages. “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.” Once the alcoholic liver disease progresses, its symptoms become easier to recognize. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver has been inflamed for a long time, leading to scarring and loss of function. Cirrhosis damage is irreversible, but a person can prevent further damage by continuing to avoid alcohol. Alcoholic hepatitis usually progresses to cirrhosis if a person continues to drink alcohol.
The result may be a series of ailments, injuries, and illnesses that can significantly shorten an alcoholic’s life. In fact, alcohol is the third-leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by damage to the liver from drinking alcohol. Just how alcohol damages the liver and why it does so only in some heavy drinkers isn’t clear.
Can End-Stage Alcoholism Be Treated?
It is critically important to seek out a professional alcohol addiction treatment program to safely detox and withdraw from alcohol use. However, once the cirrhosis and its complications develop, which can include fluid accumulation in the abdomen and bleeding in the digestive tract, the prognosis is much worse. In fact, only about half of the individuals experiencing these complications will live for another five years after their diagnosis. Individuals who stop drinking may live slightly longer than those who don’t stop. However, the increase in life expectancy around the world began to slow even before the pandemic, especially for women, the report found. Edmund has an extensive background in addiction research and medical writing, working collaboratively with doctors, substance use disorder specialists, and clinical experts across all content on Recovered.
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. Frequently drinking alcohol can result in a weakened immune system, resulting in your body having a much more difficult time fighting illness and disease. Common illnesses that occur with a weakened immune system, especially with alcoholics, include pneumonia and tuberculosis. Even 24 hours after being drunk can slow your body’s ability to ward off infections.
What is the Life Expectancy of an Alcoholic?
In older adults, especially, too much alcohol can lead to balance problems and falls, which can result in hip or arm fractures and other injuries. Older people have thinner bones than younger people, so their https://ecosoberhouse.com/ bones break more easily. Studies show that the rate of various types of fractures in older adults increases with heavy alcohol use. Katie has always enjoyed a glass of wine to unwind a few times per week.
In addition to the above, Midge is also providing smoking cessation groups as part of her holistic curriculum. With a management background, Kristal brings with her many skills including an advanced life expectancy of an alcoholic understanding of computer technology, administrative organization, multi-tasking and excellent customer service. With a passion for recovery, Kristal received her RADT in December of 2021.