Marriage apparently helps people stay away from vices. A new study found that being married prevents individuals from turning into alcoholics.
According to researchers, men who are married are 60 percent less likely to develop alcohol use disorder, or AUD, while women have 70 percent lowered risk, Medscape reported. The study, which examined more than 3.2 million individuals, found that the protective effect of marriage is stronger in people with a history of alcoholism in their family. The research was published on May 16 in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Dr. Kenneth Kendler, the study's lead author and professor of psychiatry and human and molecular genetics at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, said past research already showed that single men and women tend to drink more alcohol than their married counterparts. The researchers also took note that a person who has an alcoholic spouse has higher chances of developing alcoholism as well.
Marriage Makes People Feel Less Lonely
Dr. Maria Oquendo, professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, said being in a marriage makes people feel less lonely, Medscape further reported. Having a spouse is akin to possessing a built-in social support and companionship at home. That kind of relationship helps thwart feelings of loneliness, which is usually the root problem of addictions.
According to Kendler, alcoholism and other disorders have strong links to a person's social components. The dangers of these conditions can be offset by long-term, supportive and loving relationships.
Other Benefits Of Marriage
Another research found that married cancer patients have higher chances of surviving from their illnesses than people who are single, the Toronto Sun reported. Doctors in Finland also found that married people have lower risks of heart attacks bwhile a study from Tel Aviv University in Israel said happily married men have low chances of experiencing strokes.
A study from the Virginia Commonwealth University found that married men earn wages that are 22 percent higher than bachelors, Men's Health reported. Married men also tend to have higher performance ratings and faster promotions at work than their single colleagues.
Moreover, having a wife helps men stay away from trouble. A report from the U.S. Department of Justice said single men are four times more likely to be victims of violent crimes than married ones.
In addition, marriage helps people live longer, recover from major surgeries quicker and lessens chances of developing mental disorders. And we shouldn't forget that being married means better health insurance and financial security. There are also tax, estate planning, employment, government, medical, death, housing and consumer benefits for married people.
