The existence of alcohol has been etched in our history for as long as humans walked the earth. While nobody knows exactly when our ancestors started fermenting rice, grapes, and other alcoholic drinks sources, one thing is for sure – our today’s world is greatly enjoying this beverage. 

There are approximately 2 billion people who consume alcohol worldwide, and 72 million of them are said to have alcohol disorders. This makes it a global concern as it not only creates social and economic consequences but also contributes to approximately 3 million deaths yearly.

Alcohol: Effects & Reasons Why People Drink

Unfortunately, although many enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages, the health consequence of excessive consumption and misuse does not come without a toll on the body’s wellness. Aside from chronic diseases, it is found that alcohol intake accelerates premature ageing, which affects the body’s biological age. If you are the type who drinks excessively and is now thinking of giving up alcohol to lead a healthier life, it is worth consulting a professional and having a biological age test done to determine the extent of damage alcohol has done to your body cells and tissues.

Alcohol, in almost all parts of the world, is a constant drink that’s used in many life events. While drinking is a normal part of celebrations and social reasons to have fun, other motives for drinking alcohol include:

  • To get over a stressful life event;
  • To relieve a positive experience caused by previous use of alcohol;
  • To ease nervousness;
  • To escape mental health issues;
  • Due to peer pressure;
  • Family history of alcoholism;
  • Just because it is accessible.

Alcohol Drinking and Its Direct Link to Ageing

The effects of alcohol on your body go beyond confidence, freedom, and the happy feeling you get when you become drunk. Aside from serious chronic diseases that you may develop, alcohol also makes your body older than your chronological age.

The most extensive observational study by A. Topiwala & T. E. Nichols and their team from the University of Oxford about the connection between alcohol intake and telomere lengths suggests that alcohol, especially with alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a causal determinant for shortened telomeres.

Telomeres are very important in human health, contributing significantly to the pace of ageing and the onset of age-related diseases. These DNA – protein structures serve as a protective cap at both ends of every chromosome. Its length, which appears to be longer when a cell is healthy and can reverse the cell’s ageing process, is a great marker for biological age as it helps assess the damage caused to DNA by certain lifestyles, which in this case, alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol use disorder is an unhealthy practice of excessive drinking. This is a condition characterised by binge drinking or alcoholism, wherein the drinker experiences problems controlling their alcohol intake. Often, those who have this disorder are those who are always preoccupied with alcohol, affecting how they function and fulfil their obligations. 

People with drinking problems suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they try to reduce their intake or stop drinking alcohol. They also develop alcohol tolerance, wherein they would require more to feel the same effect. 

Simply put, when your drinking habit starts to significantly result in distress and affects how you function in your daily life, it is already considered an alcohol use disorder. It poses a significant health and safety risk.


There are three categories of Alcohol Use Disorder: mild, moderate or severe, and they are classified based on the number of symptoms you have. 

  • Are you unable to control the amount of alcohol you drink?
  • Have you wanted to lessen the amount you drink but have been unsuccessful?
  • Do you spend a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use?
  • Do you experience having a strong craving for drinking alcohol?
  • Is your alcohol use inhibiting you from fulfilling major responsibilities such as at work, school or home?
  • Do you still drink alcohol even when it’s already causing you physical, social, or relationship issues?
  • Do you stop or reduce any social and work activities to use alcohol?
  • Do you drink alcohol in unsafe situations, like when driving or swimming?
  • Do you feel you need more alcohol now to feel its effects compared to before? Or do you feel a reduced effect from the same amount?
  • Do you experience withdrawal symptoms that include sweating, shaking, and nausea even when you don’t drink? Or do you drink to avoid these symptoms?

Diseases Associated with Alcohol

It is common knowledge that alcohol intake, especially excessive and prolonged, comes with a price. Remember that our body absorbs and reacts to everything that we eat and drink. And because alcohol is considered toxic and psychoactive, abuse of this substance results in certain diseases like: 

  • Liver diseases include hepatic steatosis or fatty liver, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis;
  • Digestive problems include gastritis or the inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers of the stomach and oesophagus, B vitamins deficiency, and pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas;
  • Heart problems such as hypertension, heart enlargement, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and stroke;
  • A compromised immune system increases your risk of various illnesses like pneumonia;
  • Erectile dysfunction for men and menstruation issues in women;
  • Eye problems such as nystagmus or involuntary rapid eye movement, eye muscle weakness and paralysis due to vitamin B-1 deficiency;
  • Birth defects and disorders like foetal physical and developmental problems in infants born to a mother that uses alcohol during pregnancy;
  • Bone loss or osteoporosis and low platelet count due to bone marrow damage;
  • Neurological issues such as numbing and feeling of pain in your hands and feet, and possibly short-term memory loss;
  • Increased risk of liver, mouth, throat, colon, and breast cancers.

How To Stop Drinking Alcohol

Stopping alcohol use is not an overnight thing, especially if you have an alcohol use disorder or have been dependent on it for a long time. However, there are interventions developed by professionals to help you stop drinking:

Acknowledge that you need help

You can tell your family or friends that you have the intention to stop drinking. This way, you can get encouragement and support and also make them understand why you will turn down any invitation to drink.

Stay away from temptations

It can be difficult to start doing this, and the urge may be strong to give in and start drinking again. But always focus on your goal and do your best to decline any offers, especially if going to a party is unavoidable.

Woman saying no and avoiding drinking alcohol. Concept of alcoholism, addiction and rehabilitation.

Create a new routine

If you are used to drinking out with friends every weekend, try finding an activity that will replace your old ways. You may try starting a sport or go on a short trip with friends during these days.

Reward yourself after every milestone you accomplish

This could be on a weekly or monthly basis. It is essential to acknowledge your progress. So, rewarding yourself with things like the watch you’ve wanted to buy or a trip to a spa can be a great motivation to keep going.

Don’t be shy to seek professional help or join self-help groups

It is okay if you feel it would be better for you to have a professional or people who share the same ordeal who can track your progress and walk you through your quitting journey.

Take Away

Drinking alcohol does not have to be unhealthy if you only do it occasionally and moderately. But you should always practise responsible drinking if you love to celebrate, distress, or have fun with your friends and family. While alcohol is harmless in minimal amounts, always remember that health risks are always involved, which include premature ageing. So, if you are conscious of staying healthy, internally and externally, it is best to choose to stay away from unhealthy practices like drinking alcohol.

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