Does alcohol affect older people differently? SponsorNet

Here are the questions The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
most often receives about alcohol along with their answers. They provide
information to better understand the health consequences of alcohol abuse
and dependence (alcoholism). Consult your physician or health care provider if
you or a loved one has an alcohol problem.

Does alcohol affect older people differently?

Alcohol's effects do vary with age. Slower reaction times, problems with hearing
and seeing, and a lower tolerance to alcohol's effects put older people at higher
risk for falls, car crashes, and other types of injuries that may result from
drinking. Older people also tend to take more medicines than younger people.
Mixing alcohol with over-the-counter or prescription medications can be very
dangerous, even fatal. More than 150 medications interact harmfully with
alcohol. (See Question 18 for more information.) In addition, alcohol can make
many of the medical conditions common in older people, including high blood
pressure and ulcers, more serious. Physical changes associated with aging
can make older people feel "high" even after drinking only small amounts of
alcohol. So even if there is no medical reason to avoid alcohol, older men and
women should limit themselves to one drink per day.

What is alcoholism?

Is alcoholism a disease?

Is alcoholism inherited?

Can alcoholism be cured?

Can alcoholism be treated?

Which medications treat alcoholism?

Does alcoholism treatment work?

Do you have be an alcoholic to experience problems?

Are specific groups of people more likely to have problems?

How can you tell if someone has a problem?

Can a problem drinker simply cut down?

If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it?

What is a safe level of drinking?

Is it safe to drink during pregnancy?

Does alcohol affect women differently?

Is alcohol good for your heart?

When taking medications, must you stop drinking?

How can a person get help for an alcohol problem?







Site Map \| Home \| Resources \| About Us \| Online Store \| Terms of Use \| Privacy Policy Copyright © 2004 - 2006 FollowOn Media, Inc. All rights reserved.