Now that the holidays festivities
have subsided, I offer a bit of solace to the imbibers in the crowd.
A recent study from the Research Society on Alcoholism shows that
regular drinkers are less likely to die prematurely than people who
have never indulged in alcohol. It concludes that abstaining from
alcohol altogether can lead to a shorter life than consistent,
moderate drinking.
The controlled study followed 1,824 individuals between ages 55 and
65 over a 20-year period and accounted for variables including
socioeconomic status to level of physical activity. 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.
Results showed 69 percent of nondrinkers and 60 percent of heavy
drinkers died prematurely, while only 41 percent of the moderate
drinkers died prematurely. Even with the other heavy drinking
mortality factors, such as risks for cirrhosis and cancer,
accidents, and poor judgment associated with heavy drinking; those
who imbibe are less likely to die prematurely than nondrinkers.
A possible explanation offered is that alcohol can be a social
lubricant and strong social networks are essential for maintaining
mental and physical health. Also, nondrinkers demonstrate greater
signs of depression than drinkers. Another recent study found that
moderate alcohol consumption boosts your immune system. In addition,
there is potential heart health and circulation benefits of moderate
drinking, especially red wine.
The difference between moderate and chronic is defined by the
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. They define
moderate as no more than four drinks on a single day and no more
than 14 in a week for men. For women, it is defined as no more than
three drinks on a single day and no more than seven in a week.