Alcohol May Stop Bones from Healing

Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as more than 5 drinks at a sitting for men and 4 for women. NIAAA also informs us that one in six adults binge drink at least four times per month with eight drinks each time. Binge drinking is the most common pattern of excessive drinking in the United States.
A recent study shows us that this pattern of excessive drinking interferes with the healing of bone fractures. The study was done by researchers at Loyola University Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. In the study, these scientists studied two groups of mice. In one group, the mice were given enough alcohol to equal three times the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The other group was given the same amount of saline solution. They found three ways that alcohol interferes with bone healing:
1.    There was a difference in the callus, or the hard bony tissue that forms around the end of fractured bones. In the alcohol-exposed group, less bone was formed and the bone that was formed was not as strong as normal.
2.    There was evidence of oxidative stress in normal bone cells of the alcohol-exposed mice.
3.    During the healing process, the body sends immature stem cells to the fracture site, to mature into bone cells. In the alcohol-exposed mice, the body sent fewer stem cells to the fracture site.
“Many bone fractures are alcohol-related, due to car accidents, falls, shootings, etc.,” Roman Natoli, MD, PhD said, via a press release. Natoli is the lead author is the Loyola study. “In addition to contributing to bone fractures, alcohol also impairs the healing process. So add this to the list of reasons why you should not abuse alcohol.”
Natoli’s team is planning an animal-model study based on these findings. In the first study, they plan to inject mice with stem cells to improve healing. In the second, they will administer antioxidants to fight oxidative stress.
https://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/9980/20131006/binge-drinking-prevent-bone-fractures-healing.htm

When you recognize harmful patterns and seek treatment, you can increase your chances of leading a healthier life. Cliffside Malibu is here to support you in your search for an alcohol-free life. We believe you deserve to have a private, comfortable and luxurious environment as you navigate your journey to a sober life. Our center allows you to explore your mental health needs, creates a treatment plan that is unique to you and allows you to discover beneficial coping skills. To learn more about alcohol treatment at Cliffside Malibu, call (855) 403-5641.