Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects many older adults, and alcohol is the most used substance for adults aged 65 and above. Unfortunately, senior alcoholism is a real and pressing issue that many prefer to sweep under the carpet. But how does drinking alcohol affect you differently as you age? We discuss the damaging effects that drinking alcohol can have here.
Increased Sensitivity
As we age, we become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. One of the reasons why is the reduced activity in our bodies of an enzyme – alcohol dehydrogenase – that breaks down alcohol. This leads to an increase in the levels of alcohol that remain in the body over a longer period of time. A decline in lean body mass can also result in higher peak blood concentrations. Impairment caused by alcohol can also make us more sensitive to accidents such as falls.
Dehydration
As we age, our sense of thirst and renal function declines. Our body mass and internal balance of water and sodium also shift. All of these changes make us more at risk for dehydration. Underscoring this is the fact that alcohol often results in more frequent urination, which also increases the risk of dehydration.
More Health Problems
Heavy drinking can intensify other health issues commonly experienced by adults in their later years. These include:
- Liver problems
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Memory problems
- Congestive heart failure
- Mood disorders
Issues with Medication
Many medications – both over-the-counter and by-prescription – don’t mix well with alcohol. Some of them can even be downright dangerous when mixed. One of the biggest health risks found among those in this age group occurs when mixing medication and alcohol. Alcohol can cause some medications to be ineffective, or intensify the side effects of certain medications. It can also increase drug toxicity in specific cases. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has highlighted the following medications as prone to becoming deadly when mixed with alcohol:
- Acetaminophen
- Cough syrup
- Cold and allergy medicine
- Aspirin
- Sleeping pills
- Pain medication
- Mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety medication
- Antidepressants and antipsychotics
- Herbal remedies such as chamomile, St. John’s wort, kava kava and lavender.
Increased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The diagnosis rates for gonorrhea, hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis and herpes rose significantly from 2015 to 2019, and thousands of adults aged 65 and above were affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed to excessive drinking as a factor in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Getting Healthier
If you find yourself having problems with alcohol, you do not have to suffer alone. There are a variety of programs throughout the United States that aim to help individuals with issues with alcohol. You can also reach out to your loved ones for help and support. Health and wellness is a holistic affair that engages body, mind, and spirit, all of which need to be engaged when it comes to beating conditions such as alcoholism. Talk to someone you love and trust today to get you started on a journey to a healthier you!
