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Alcohol abuse

by Alexandra Middleton | 23 Dec 2013

When drunk in moderation alcohol can be an enjoyable part of socialising or a way to unwind. However, when drunk in excess alcohol can become a cause of significant ill health and hardship for individuals and their families.

Alcohol abuse in older people is often overlooked, with symptoms mistaken for other health related illnesses or simply seen as an accepted vice of the elderly.

As we age alcohol consumption becomes increasingly damaging for our health. Our metabolism slows, which means it takes longer for our bodies to break down what we ingest, particularly alcohol. 

On top of this the volume of water content in our bodies decreases, which means that the same amount of alcohol will produce a higher blood alcohol concentration. As a result, most people will find that as they get older the effects of alcohol will hit them harder.

Because older age is characterised by an increase in health problems, people may find that the various medications they take, or treatments they undergo will further affect the amount they can drink. The central nervous system and the ability of the body to regenerate bone are also diminished by alcohol consumption.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing released the following guidelines for consumption of alcohol.

For healthy adult women, low risk drinking is an average of two standard drinks per day, no more than four drinks on any one day and no more than fourteen drinks over a week, with two alcohol-free days per week.

For men, low risk drinking is an average of four standard drinks per day, no more than six drinks on any one day, and no more than 28 drinks over a week, with at least two alcohol-free days per week.

It’s important to remember that these guidelines apply to the average healthy adult Australian, so older people with health issues should view these guidelines with even more caution.

Warning signs

The effect of alcohol varies between individuals, however there are common warning signs that an individual is consuming too much alcohol, too often.

Unlike alcoholics, alcohol abusers are defined as having some control over their drinking. However, if consumption of alcohol is affecting an individual’s life to any degree, it should be flagged as an issue. 

The Department of Health and Ageing dictates that if a health professional identifies three of the following signals in a patient, they are classed as having alcohol dependence.

  1. Tolerance – a need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication, or a diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
  2. Withdrawal – either a characteristic of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  3. Alcohol taken in larger amounts or for a larger period than intended.
  4. A persistent use or unsuccessful efforts to control drinking.
  5. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol or recover from its effects.
  6. Important social, occupational or recreational activities are reduced or given up because of drinking.
  7. Drinking is continued despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical psychological problems that are likely to have been cause or exacerbated by alcohol.

How alcohol affects your health

Over time alcohol can have a significant negative impact on a person’s health, when drunk in excess.

Alcohol affects the following parts of your body:

  • Cardiovascular system
  • Nervous system
  • Gastrointestinal system
  • Liver
  • Endocrine system (ability to control blood sugar, loss of libido, reduced fertility)  
  • Nutrition

Seeking help

If you suspect a loved one is displaying signs of alcohol abuse or you are worried about your own level of consumption, approach your doctor.

If you would like to remain anonymous, seek out a community help group or contact a drug dependence hotline, such as Counseling Online on 1800 888 236.