The Influence of Chronic Alcohol Abuse on Aging

Introduction Research suggests that both light and moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits, being associated with reduced all-cause mortality. On the other hand, higher levels of alcohol consumption and chronic alcohol abuse has harmful effects on the body, leading to both premature and exaggerated aging. Material and Method We performed a literature review on the association between alcohol consumption and aging, based on studies published in medical journals, during the last 10 years, by accessing sources like PubMed, Google Academic, EBSCO and Science Direct. Results The relationship between alcohol consumption and the aging process is bilateral. On the one hand, the effects of the chronic alcohol abuse on the aging process include: hypertension, cardiac disorders, various types of cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, neurocognitive deficits, bone loss, and emotional instability. Alcohol abuse also determines the dehydration of the entire body, including the skin, and that will further accelerate the skin aging. On the other hand, aging alters the organism's physiological and psychological responses to alcohol. For instance, the brain appears to experience an age-related increase in sensitivity to alcohol and a chronic alcohol use leads to global and regional atrophy of the brain. However studies show that light to moderate drinking may have health benefits, like protecting from coronary heart disease. Also, the moderate alcohol consumption influences the mood in a positive way, by its anti-anxiety and anti-stress properties. Conclusion The relationship between alcohol consumption and aging is bilateral. Chronic alcohol consumption has deleterious effects on almost all the organs and systems of the body. In the same time the aging process alters the organism's physiological and psychological responses to alcohol.