Alcohol has been called one of the deadliest legal drugs in the world. While many people enjoy social drinking, the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption cannot be ignored.

Over the years, excessive alcohol consumption has been tied to several serious physical and mental health issues. One of the most significant consequences of alcohol consumption is its impact on the life expectancy of individuals. This article seeks to illustrate the deadly impact of alcohol on life expectancy..

How Does Alcohol Affect Life Expectancy?

Excessive alcohol consumption can have seriously adverse effects on human health and shorten life expectancy. A study conducted in Japan showed that alcohol consumption causes about 7,600 deaths annually, reducing life expectancy by about five years.

Below are some ways that alcohol consumption negatively impacts life expectancy:.

1. Liver Disease

Alcohol consumption is one of the major causes of liver disease worldwide. Heavy drinking over a long period can lead to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, and, ultimately, cirrhosis of the liver.

These conditions can drastically reduce life expectancy.

2. Heart Disease

Alcohol consumption is also known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. These conditions can significantly impact life expectancy.

3. Cancer

Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of various cancers such as mouth, liver, breast, and colon cancer. These types of cancers can be fatal and lower life expectancy seriously.

4. Accidents and Injuries

Alcohol consumption can impair judgment, motor coordination, and reaction time, leading to accidents and injuries. Accidents can result in severe injuries and fatalities, which significantly lowers life expectancy.

5. Mental Health Issues

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Mental health challenges may also occur simultaneously with other medical conditions, further exacerbating them and negatively impacting life expectancy.

What is considered excessive alcohol consumption?

Excessive alcohol consumption is often defined as consuming alcohol more frequently than is considered healthy or safe by health professionals.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), here are some of the standard definitions of excessive alcohol consumption:.

For men: consuming more than 15 drinks per week or more than five drinks in one sitting
For women: consuming more than eight drinks per week or more than four drinks in one sitting

Conclusion

The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption cannot be ignored. The World Health Organization has called for global awareness of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and efforts to curb it.

The impact on both physical and mental health, which ultimately redounds to an impact on life expectancy, cannot be gainsaid. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the dangers that come with excessive alcohol consumption and make a conscious decision to live healthier lives.