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Study: Abstaining from alcohol significantly shortens life
New research shows that those who imbibe are less likely to die prematurely than those who stay dry.
Tue, Aug 31 2010 at 1:53 PM
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Photo: Al404/Flickr
A newly released study shows that regular drinkers are less likely to die prematurely than people who have never indulged in alcohol. You read that right: Time reports that abstaining from alcohol altogether can lead to a shorter life than consistent, moderate drinking.
Surprised? The tightly controlled study, which looked at individuals between ages 55 and 65, spanned a 20-year period and accounted for variables ranging from socioeconomic status to level of physical activity. Led by psychologist Charles Holahan of the University of Texas at Austin, it found that mortality rates were highest for those who had never had a sip, lower for heavy drinkers, and lowest for moderate drinkers who enjoyed one to three drinks per day.
Of the 1,824 study participants, only 41 percent of the moderate drinkers died prematurely compared to a whopping 69 percent of the nondrinkers. Meanwhile, the heavy drinkers fared better than those who abstained, with a 60 percent mortality rate. Despite the increased risks for cirrhosis and several types of cancer, not to mention dependency, accidents and poor judgment associated with heavy drinking, those who imbibe are less likely to die than people who stay dry.
A possible explanation for this is that alcohol can be a great social lubricant, and strong social networks are essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Nondrinkers have been shown to demonstrate greater signs of depression than their carousing counterparts, and in addition to the potential heart health and circulation benefits of moderate drinking (especially red wine), it also increases sociability.
While it’s always important to drink responsibly, this is one study that warrants raising a glass.
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I disagree with article entirely. Particularly the "sober people tend to be more depressed" line. Alcohol is a depressant. Many of the people in my family become depressed, as well as aggressive, when they drink. The people in my family who don't drink, or have 1-2 drinks a year tend to be much happier than those who have drinks every day.
Haha, so if you don't die from cancer or liver problems etc you may just live longer? Think I'll take my chances abstaining, feeling great in the morning, living an enjoyable healthy life! Nothing against drinkers though, have fun if you enjoy it!
All these type of studies seem questionable based on the amount of participants. Just can't imagine that the people that have a drink or more daily live the exact same life style as the people that don't drink at all.
I think the problem is that we still have a suspicion about alcohol as a result of our long temperance history.
I stopped social drinking, I read it was not good for you're health.
Looks like I need to start, drinking again.
Woohoo Zigy Zagy Zigy Zagy oit oit oit!!!!!
My Mum is 91 and she's been tee-total all her life.
and my grandmother is 90 and has drank 1-2 glasses of wine or beer for 60 years. Go figure.
Drinking in moderation promotes longevity.
Yippee..!!
Did the researchers study the population of Utah? 80% are non drinking Mormons and the life expectancy is 2--4 years greater than the rest of the USA! I suspect the booze industry paid for this study just like tobacco paid for the studies that smoking was good for you!
80% in Utah? Come on. Not sure my Elder's Quorum in Salt Lake is 80% abstaining, let alone the general population. Utah has a high number of active people (Mormon and Non-Mormon) playing in the great outdoors. Do you think that one of the lowest rates of obesity also has some bearing on the longevity of the state?
Congratulations, but please use some scientific rational to your picking and choosing of stats.
Mormons also abstain from coffee and tea, so they are not a good control group to compare to. Some may claim benefits of spiritual clothing as well.
This study cannot be dismissed as a tool of the alcohol industry, which did not provide any funding. Its findings are consistent with research conducted by governments, health agencies and others around the world. The evidence for the health benefits of moderate drinking continues to mount and can't be denied.
...except for the brain shrinkage part...
The study relied on drunks to provide data. How often do these people accurately quantify anything?
correlation does not equal causation... While it's an interesting find, to me it doesn't mean anything.
"all people who drink water in their life, eventually die, therefore water is a poison"
Please do not dismiss this as anecdotal. There are a few scores of people I know who have crossed their 90s in good health, and more than a dozen who have crossed their 100. All of them are abstemious teatotalling nonsmoking vegetarians,middle class, who fast at least a few days in a month or just eat fruits. And they walk a lot. Try doing a survey in India among certain communities whose lifestyle helps longevity though the lifestyle is a matter of tradition.
The plural of anecdote is not data.
So you have to make it past the "increased risks for cirrhosis and several types of cancer, not to mention dependency, accidents and poor judgment" first. Then, if you live through all that, you have only a 28% chance of living a longer life... I'll take my chances and live without the alcohol thanks.
My apologies go out to the prof. that wasted 20 years of his life on this study.
I'm pretty sure it meant even with those additional risks built in, patients still died prematurely less when they were heavy drinkers but only by a few % points. 28% was for a moderate drinker.
I think this might be possible if you control your drinking habits, but I think it is not possible if you have a drinking problem or are an alcoholic.
did i read that "those who imbibe are less likely to die than people who stay dry."
whoa! hold the presses. so, according to this article, if you drink you live forever. That is going to really put a crimp in religions that push death and an afterlife at you as the major reason for being a good person.
But, wait - if the people who live forever are all drunks, maybe that's not so good. Imagine the auto insurance rates.
I better have a beer and think this over. A lot can depend on what I do.
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