Alcoholism, a severe form of alcohol use disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite adverse consequences. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to numerous physical and mental health issues, impacting personal and professional life and reducing life expectancy. Understanding the dangers of alcohol addiction and how long it takes to die from alcoholism is crucial for timely intervention and prevention.
Several factors determine how fast a person may die from alcohol poisoning or related health conditions, from the average amount of alcohol consumed daily to co-occurring disorders and lifestyle. In this guide, we will explore the life expectancy of people diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), the main factors affecting the prognosis, and the benefits of quitting alcohol.
Table of Contents
- Average Life Expectancy of a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder
- Factors Affecting the Longevity of a Person Struggling With Alcohol Addiction
- How Alcoholism Shortens Your Life
- Does Quitting Alcohol Increase Your Life Expectancy?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Help From Silicon Valley Recovery
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Average Life Expectancy of a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder
On average, people addicted to alcohol die 24-28 years earlier than individuals who do not drink. One study found that the mean age of death for men diagnosed with alcoholism was 47-53 years, depending on the study group. For women, the average age of death was 50-58 years.
For comparison, according to the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy in the United States for the general population is 76.4 years, 73.5 years for men, and 79.3 years for women. Excessive alcohol consumption significantly reduces a person’s lifespan, especially if left untreated.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of a Person Struggling With Alcohol Addiction
The life expectancy of an individual suffering from alcohol addiction depends on numerous factors, including:
- Drinking habits: In general, the more a person drinks, the more harm they do to their health. Binge drinking and heavy drinking are associated with a higher risk of death.
- Age: Young people are more resilient and may have a higher chance of recovery compared to older individuals.
- Gender: Research shows that women are more prone to alcohol-related deaths than men.
- Overall health: People with underlying health conditions may suffer more from alcohol abuse, especially if they struggle with liver disease, heart disease, or mental health disorders.
- Access to treatment: Fortunately, alcoholism is a treatable disease—but without proper medical help, a person may succumb to addiction.
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How Alcoholism Shortens Your Life
There are many ways in which alcohol kills a person, from acute alcohol poisoning to chronic conditions caused by long-term alcohol consumption:
- Liver damage: The liver is the organ responsible for filtering toxins, alcohol included, from your blood. Drinking leads to fat buildup in the liver, inflammation, liver scarring (cirrhosis), and ultimately liver failure.
- Heart disease: While some believe that alcohol is good for the heart, in reality, alcohol raises your blood pressure and increases the risks of high cholesterol, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, heart attack, and stroke.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas is often linked to alcohol abuse. People with pancreatitis suffer from severe stomach pain, nausea, fever, and an increased heart rate.
- Cancer: Alcohol is considered a carcinogen—a substance that promotes cancer. Alcohol drinkers have a higher chance of being diagnosed with breast, liver, esophagus, throat, and mouth cancer.
- Mental health problems: From memory lapses and cognitive decline to depression and anxiety, alcohol negatively affects the brain of the drinker.
Does Quitting Alcohol Increase Your Life Expectancy?
The best thing you can do for your health is to give up alcohol, return to a healthy lifestyle, and add a few more years to your life. Here are a few benefits of alcohol cessation:
- Lower mortality. A study dedicated to the life expectancy of people with AUD discovered that individuals who received treatment for their addiction lived longer than those who continued drinking.
- Better physical health. After you stop drinking, you will quickly notice positive changes in your body—your weight is returning to normal, your skin looks better, and you no longer suffer from insomnia.
- Improved mental health. It takes only a few weeks of abstinence to see the benefits of sobriety—reduced stress levels, stable mood, no brain fog, and better concentration.
FAQs
What is the life expectancy of an alcoholic?
On average, alcohol addiction reduces a person’s lifespan by 25 years—compared to non-drinkers, individuals diagnosed with AUD die much younger.
What is the most common cause of death in alcoholics?
The leading cause of death among people who struggle with alcoholism is cardiovascular disease—excessive drinking is known to contribute to high blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart attacks, and strokes.
What are the chances of dying from alcoholism?
Research shows that one in ten adults between 20 and 64 years old dies prematurely because of alcohol consumption. In the group of people aged 20-49 years, one in eight deaths is attributed to drinking.
Can you die from alcohol withdrawal?
In some cases, alcohol detox may be fatal – symptoms like seizures and delirium tremens pose a serious danger to the person’s life. This is why it is important to undergo alcohol withdrawal under medical supervision.
Can you recover from alcohol addiction?
Yes, it is possible to overcome alcoholism with the help of healthcare professionals and the support of your loved ones. Talk to a doctor you trust to come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs.
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Get Help From Silicon Valley Recovery
Alcoholism drastically shortens a person’s life; from chronic health issues to premature death, there are many dangers associated with alcohol addiction. Fortunately, this is a problem you can solve—as soon as you quit drinking, you will be able to reap the benefits of sobriety and prolong your lifespan.
Whether you are struggling with alcohol addiction or worried about a loved one who drinks, our team is here to help you. Silicon Valley Recovery offers personalized treatment plans for patients with AUD—reach out to us today to start your recovery journey.
