Does Alcoholism Cause Osteoporosis?
It’s a common question: can drinking alcohol lead to osteoporosis?
If stopping is the hard part, our alcohol treatment programs start with a short call that tells you which level of care fits, and admissions checks your insurance on the same call.
The short answer is that yes, alcoholism can cause osteoporosis. While moderate drinking (up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women) is actually associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis, excessive drinking can have the opposite effect.
Alcoholism can cause osteoporosis for a few different reasons. First, alcoholics are more likely to have deficiencies in key nutrients like vitamin D and calcium that are essential for healthy bones. Second, heavy drinking can lead to increased urination, which causes the body to lose important minerals like calcium.
Finally, alcohol abuse can damage the liver, which is responsible for producing a hormone that helps regulate bone growth. When the liver is damaged, it can’t produce this hormone properly, which can lead to bone loss.
If you’re struggling with alcoholism, get help before it’s too late. Excessive drinking can lead to serious health problems like osteoporosis, so get treatment today.
