New Study Shows Heavy Drinkers Outlive Non Drinkers

Here's some good news for Billy Long! A new study shows that heavy drinkers outlive non drinkers. However, the study is misleading to say the least. Heavy drinking isn't going to make you healthier. According to the study, which I have my doubts about, it just means you have more money to deal with health issues when they arise.

Moderate drinking, which is defined as one to three drinks per day, is associated with the lowest mortality rates in alcohol studies. Moderate alcohol use (especially when the beverage of choice is red wine) is thought to improve heart health, circulation and sociability, which can be important because people who are isolated don't have as many family members and friends who can notice and help treat health problems.

But why would abstaining from alcohol lead to a shorter life? It's true that those who abstain from alcohol tend to be from lower socioeconomic classes, since drinking can be expensive. And people of lower socioeconomic status have more life stressors - job and child-care worries that might not only keep them from the bottle but also cause stress-related illnesses over long periods. (They also don't get the stress-reducing benefits of a drink or two after work.)

So the whole study is misleading. It bases it on socioeconomic factors which has been proven for years to provide a difference in longevity of life. To release this study sends the wrong signal.