Drinking Has a Different Impact Based on Age

A drink here or there seems like an innocent indulgence that can enliven the occasion. But drinking may affect the mind and body differently depending on age group.  Studies are showing that certain age groups can be at a higher risk for alcohol problems than others. And with everything from addiction to long-term memory loss, alcohol overuse impacts the body in multiple negative ways. Check out below how drinking affects different stages of life. 

Pregnancy and Newborns

Unfortunately, some women consume alcohol while pregnant and this can have a devastating effect on the immediate and long-term health of the child. One result is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder which reduces brain volume, function, and certain cognitive abilities. Consuming even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can put the child at risk for poor psychological and behavioral outcomes as they age. 

Doctors recommend those who are pregnant completely abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire duration of their pregnancy.

Teenage Drinking

From parties to peer experimentation, some teenagers turn to drinking for fun and entertainment, leading to a number of negative consequences, not the least of which is a general lack of judgment during intoxication. 

Some teenagers only drink occasionally or at parties. But even this can lead to binge drinking. The effects can be life-altering or even deadly, resulting in car fatalities, alcohol poisoning and severe injury. 

Consuming large quantities of alcohol at once can have a devastating effect on the brain, especially during adolescence, reducing brain volume and leading to poor white matter development. It can also trigger deficits in cognitive function. 

Many long-term alcoholics start their drinking as teenagers, so parents may want to keep an eye on this behavior and get the teen help before it becomes a lifelong struggle.

Middle-Aged Adults and Alcohol

No matter when someone starts drinking, the lasting effects can be harsh. Just two drinks a day as an adult increases the odds of getting certain diseases and cancers. It can also make it harder to maintain control over underlying illnesses, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. 

Drinking at any age as an adult also increases the risk of getting cirrhosis of the liver, which can be fatal. 

Seniors and Alcohol

Many seniors who drink have likely been doing so for many years. It's very rare for someone to suddenly take up drinking as a senior. And chronic consumption could mean they are suffering from long-standing alcoholism.

And for those who have been drinking a very long time, quitting is even more difficult. For a chronic alcoholic, going cold turkey might trigger an adverse health effect called delirium tremens, which requires immediate medical care. Hallucinations, seizures, fevers and extreme alcohol cravings are common signs. 

Drinking as a senior can also lead to weight fluctuation, malnutrition, inadequate personal care, lethargy and short-term memory loss. 

Getting Help

Drinking can affect people differently as a function of age and development. The good news is, help is available, and individuals can treat alcoholism with support programs or, if possible, rehab. 

Remember, alcoholism affects not just the addict but everyone in that person's life. That’s why many experts recommend approaching rehab and treatment with a multifaceted approach that supports everyone around the alcoholic. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health care specialist for evaluation and assistance.

Wellness also covered the effects of alcohol in a special two-part series. These can be found here, and here.

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