Risks of Drinking  

Alcohol-related problems occur when a person experiences social, psychological or physical difficulties as a consequence of heavy drinking, or when people close to them are drinking heavily. <BR><BR>People of all ages may experience such problems, but older people are more prone to adverse effects because they are more strongly affected by alcohol than younger people. This is because of changes in the way the body processes alcohol as a person ages. <BR><BR>Older people may also be affected by other drugs, both prescription and non-prescription. They are more prone to complications with medication and are particularly at risk of an adverse interaction between medication and alcohol. <BR><BR>Although older people are vulnerable to alcohol problems they may also find it difficult to either ask for, or receive, help. <BR><BR>As people grow older, they may well continue the drinking habits developed over years, without realising that the effect that alcohol has on their body becomes stron

Alcohol-related problems occur when a person experiences social, psychological or physical difficulties as a consequence of heavy drinking, or when people close to them are drinking heavily.

People of all ages may experience such problems, but older people are more prone to adverse effects because they are more strongly affected by alcohol than younger people. This is because of changes in the way the body processes alcohol as a person ages.

Older people may also be affected by other drugs, both prescription and non-prescription. They are more prone to complications with medication and are particularly at risk of an adverse interaction between medication and alcohol.

Although older people are vulnerable to alcohol problems they may also find it difficult to either ask for, or receive, help.

As people grow older, they may well continue the drinking habits developed over years, without realising that the effect that alcohol has on their body becomes stronger and more prolonged with age. Accidents, loss of memory, confusion and shaking limbs - which are often written off as 'old age' - may be signs of a drinking problem. This can happen even when they are drinking the same amount of alcohol as they always have.

Alternatively, a particular problem may lead to increased drinking to relieve stress. In either case, the older person risks harming their health.

Some other points to consider are:

• Stomach
  Drinking can cause stomach upsets, which can lead to sickness and indigestion
• Liver
  The liver becomes less efficient at breaking down alcohol as people age. This is an important reason why older people should cut down their alcohol intake
• Cold
  While a drink makes the body feel warm, it actually speeds up the loss of body heat and may increase the risk of hypothermia
• Nutrition
  A healthy diet is a particularly important way for older people to maintain their good health. Alcohol affects appetite and digestion, and someone who drinks too much may not be eating properly. Extra vitamins and proteins may be needed
• Accidents
  The risk of having an accident, such as falling over, is always higher after a drink
• Dehydration
  Alcohol is a diuretic, making you need to urinate more frequently, and dehydration may result
• Sleep
  Drinking may send us to sleep, but it can also upset the natural sleep pattern
• Excessive drinking
  Excessive drinking can cause diseases of the liver, heart, stomach, chest, kidneys and throat. Cutting down on alcohol consumption will help you avoid these and other problems
• Special warning on medications                                      Perhaps the greatest danger comes from mixing alcohol with prescribed drugs. In many cases alcohol makes the effect of medicines stronger, or causes side-effects such as headaches, upset stomach or flushes. Unless the doctor has said it is safe, alcohol and medicines should never be mixed