A 2008 study revealed that osteoporosis and fragility fractures in men constitute a considerable healthcare burden. The researchers studied 2,035 men aged over 50 years with 2,142 fractures to clarify the underlying risk factors for the injuries. The injuries due to osteoporosis were 17.5% fractures of the ankle and 57.8% of the hip. The main risk factors associated with osteoporosis were smoking (47.4%), alcohol excess (36.2%), weight measured by body mass index as being under 21 (12.8%) and a family history of osteoporosis (8.4%). Another significant factor was immobility.

Recovering substance abusers often drink large amounts of coffee and smoke cigarettes, both of which are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. A study at the University of Tokyo reported that coffee intake is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), whereas drinking green tea can actually increase BMD. Although osteoporosis is a serious illness, bone loss can be halted or reversed in some instances with the following practices:

• Get a bone density test. The results will help a nutritionist determine how much vitamin D, K, B12, folic acid, and calcium are needed to maintain or restore bone.
• Quit smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs.
• Some prescription medicines promote bone loss. Check all medications to see if bone loss is one of the side effects. If it is, make every attempt to find an alternative medication or therapy.
• After consulting with your doctor, begin an exercise program. Walking, cycling and weight lifting have all been shown to be good for building and maintaining bone mass.
• Drink green tea instead of coffee as coffee promotes bone loss and green tea promotes bone growth.
• Do a daily pH test at home to keep track of your pH levels. Acidity in the body has been linked to bone loss and osteoporosis.

There’s a strong correlation between osteoporosis, depression, and alcoholism. Clinical depression encourages some people to drink large amounts of alcohol in hopes of numbing depressed feelings, with risks of alcohol abuse and dependence. Additionally, people with depression are more likely to develop osteoporosis, those with osteoporosis have an increased incidence of depression, and alcoholic consumption is linked to osteoporosis. Because of these factors, bone loss is one of the first health issues that should be addressed when treating someone with a history of chronic alcohol abuse.

References
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