Alcoholism Related Deaths in Canada

Alcoholism related deaths are one of the leading causes of death in every age sector in the country of Canada. In many cases, alcohol is a cause of some of the leading causes like heart disease, and liver disease. The rise in underage drinking, and the increase in social drinking, is one of the reasons why the numbers of alcohol related deaths is at an all time high.

Alcoholism by the Numbers

According to recent studies done throughout the country of Canada, it is estimated that approximately 80% of the population aged 15 years and older consumed alcohol in the year prior to the survey. Canadians, as a whole, typically drink in moderation, with only 7% classified as heavy drinkers. However, 17% of the population is at risk drinkers, with the majority of them under the age of 25.

Alcoholism Related Problems

Alcohol is a problem that has plagued society for many years. Since the days of prohibition, alcohol has been something that people struggle with in their lives and family. Many problems, especially societal problems, are a direct result of the heavy, and prolonged, consumption of alcohol. Alcoholism is determined when someone drinks at least 4 drinks per day, and has a need for the alcohol. This need can negate anything else going on the person's life. Families fall apart, marriages are broken, jobs are lost, and lives are damaged for many years to come.

Alcoholism Related Medical Problems

Among the many societal problems that are caused by alcoholism, there are also many medical problems. Heart disease, liver damage, diabetes, psychotic problems, and gastrointestinal diseases among others. If taken for prolonged periods of time, alcoholism can also lead to death. These medical problems not only cause disruptions in life, but can also lead to a life of serious problems even when a person stops drinking. Attending a  good alcohol treatment program in Canada can save a lot of lives.

Alcoholism Related Deaths

Death caused by alcoholism can happen in several ways. Consuming too much alcohol at one time will cause the body to shut down, liver and kidney disease leads to death if there is no viable transplant, and heat attacks are very common. Another large contributor to alcoholism related deaths is vehicle accidents while driving impaired. It is estimated that over 1,000 people died in 2002 alone due to driving while intoxicated. The majority of these deaths were male and the actual driver of the car. These deaths are not only limited to the actual person drinking. Over 30% of the deaths are people who were not drinking. Many of these deaths were under the age of 15.

Alcoholism Problems Holding Steady

As the years continue to go by, the number of deaths contributed to alcoholism is staying steady. This is not as good as it might seem. As the population continues to grow in Canada, the numbers staying the same indicates that the number of people using alcohol in a regular basis is actually increasing. As this trend continues, there will be a continued growth of medical problems, as well as alcoholism related deaths.

 

^{Reference: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/researchpublications/prb0620-e.htm}

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