According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol use shortens people's lives by 26 years. AUD is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S.
One study found that individuals who drank more than 350 grams per week had lower life expectancies by four to five years at age 40 compared to those who drank less than 100 grams per week. Researchers attributed recorded deaths to cardiovascular problems caused by excessive drinking, and further analysis showed that people who binge drank or consumed spirits and beer had the highest risk for mortality.
The stages of alcoholism that can lead to premature death include:
Stage 1: In early-stage alcoholism, a person who drinks excessively doesn't realize they have a problem. They may drink to reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety or boredom.
Stage 2: Middle-stage alcoholism occurs when the person develops a high tolerance to alcohol and needs it to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Stage 3: Late-stage or end-stage alcoholism is a full-blown addiction that most often requires medical detox to start recovery. This is the stage where a person spends most of their time drinking.