Great news, heavy drinkers outlive non-drinkers!

Eretria90

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What is a "moderate" drinker vs. a "heavy" drinker? Are "heavy" drinkers addicted to alcohol? Are "moderate" drinkers non-alcoholics? Couldn't "moderate" drinkers fall into multiple categories?

Native Americans also have the lowest life expectancy (or second to last) of any ethnic group in the United States. Native Americans tend to have a higher rate of alcoholism in their populations (obviously, not all of them drink alcohol or are addicted to alcohol) compared to other ethnic groups in the USA. More than 10% of NA's die from alcohol-related accidents/incidents. I would assume that not all alcohol-related incidents are related to alcohol addiction.

My aunt was an alcoholic for many years (technically still is even if she is sober); I'm assuming she would fall into the category of "heavy" drinker. She is 55 years old and has cancer of the liver, plus on other parts of her body she has/had cancer. While it may not be directly related, I'm assuming "heavy" drinking can eventually lead to a plethora of health problems. Therefore, more opportunities to die. She was told that she had one year to live.

I had a friend who indulged in "heavy" drinking (which later turned into alcoholism). While I don't think he is dead, he almost died from alcohol poisoning. It was close for him. Perhaps he is dead or is alive, I don't know since I haven't spoken to him in years.

I am not saying that in all cases, alcohol will decrease your lifespan. But it can certainly reduce your life expectancy greatly or in my friend's case, come very close to ending your life permanently.

Call me a party pooper, but I am skeptical of this study.
 
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Michie

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What is a "moderate" drinker vs. a "heavy" drinker? Are "heavy" drinkers addicted to alcohol? Are "moderate" drinkers non-alcoholics? Couldn't "moderate" drinkers fall into multiple categories?

Native Americans also have the lowest life expectancy (or second to last) of any ethnic group in the United States. Native Americans tend to have a higher rate of alcoholism in their populations (obviously, not all of them drink alcohol or are addicted to alcohol) compared to other ethnic groups in the USA. More than 10% of NA's die from alcohol-related accidents/incidents. I would assume that not all alcohol-related incidents are related to alcohol addiction.

My aunt was an alcoholic for many years (technically still is even if she is sober); I'm assuming she would fall into the category of "heavy" drinker. She is 55 years old and has cancer of the liver, plus on other parts of her body she has/had cancer. While it may not be directly related, I'm assuming "heavy" drinking can eventually lead to a plethora of health problems. Therefore, more opportunities to die. She was told that she had one year to live.

I had a friend who indulged in "heavy" drinking (which later turned into alcoholism). While I don't think he is dead, he almost died from alcohol poisoning. It was close for him. Perhaps he is dead or is alive, I don't know since I haven't spoken to him in years.

I am not saying that in all cases, alcohol will decrease your lifespan. But it can certainly reduce your life expectancy greatly or in my friend's case, come very close to ending your life permanently.

Call me a party pooper, but I am skeptical of this study.
My uncle died from liver failure. My dad was killed by a drunk driver. These studies change faster than some people change their underwear.
 
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MikeK

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Actually, the science ha been pretty consistent on this for decades. This particular study is of interest because it filtered out some of the potential causes for drinkers living longer that were previously suggested. Educated people and wealthy people drink more than others and it was thought that money and smarts might be what led to the increase in lifespan, but this study suggests that no, it is the alcohol (or perhaps the socialization that goes along with it). You can think your intuition is more reliable than consistent studies if you want, but I'm going with the pros.
 
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Michie

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I also think I heard being drunk generally helps with surviving accidents like car crashes/impacts due to the body remaining more loose and absorbing the impact better. I'm sure that helps to an extent.
I've read that. Not something to emulate though. So far we have threads on guns, alcohol... where is the one on tobacco?^_^
 
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JimR-OCDS

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My doctor says that red wine is medicinal when taken with meals. I asked, how much ? He said two glasses. I asked, what about four ? He said, "the first two are on me, the rest, you're on your own."

True story.

Jim
 
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Genersis

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I've read that. Not something to emulate though. So far we have threads on guns, alcohol... where is the one on tobacco?^_^
Indeed.
I was asked by someone for a lighter today.
Apparently I look like I smoke or something.:o
 
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Genersis

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I'm not that into tobacco. I smoke a pipe a dozen times a year, that's enough. It isn't worth risking my health over.

I find it odd how it's considered an English/British thing by some people.
 
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Genersis

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Hopefully not crack. *joking* :p
*Gasps and runs to a mirror*
...
*runs back*
No no, everything looks fine.:cool:

My dad smoked a pipe. I remember that aroma to this day.
I've never know anyone in person who's smoked one.
The only people I've known who have, have been Americans I've talked to online.
Which is odd considering I come from a family of smokers.(extended , both sides of my family)
 
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JimR-OCDS

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Finally, I am on the right side of the issue. Now, all I need to hear is that Marlboros are really good for you......


Did you know that at one time, cigarette ads were about how certain brands promoted good health ?

I co-worker brought in some magazines from the 1920's and I remember Chesterfield had an ad with a doctor supposedly stating that smoking Chesterfield Cigarettes would increase your energy level and overall health.

Lucky Strikes had something similar if I recall.

Jim
 
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BlunderAngel

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Well, pickling works for cucumbers. ;) ^_^
smiley-eatdrink007.gif
 
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Genersis

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Did you know that at one time, cigarette ads were about how certain brands promoted good health ?

I co-worker brought in some magazines from the 1920's and I remember Chesterfield had an ad with a doctor supposedly stating that smoking Chesterfield Cigarettes would increase your energy level and overall health.

Lucky Strikes had something similar if I recall.

Jim

Radiation went through a similar stage too, being promoted as a healthy cure-all, if I remember right.
Strange world.
 
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