- Some research has shown that as people age they become more sensitive to alcohol’s effects. In other words, the same amount of alcohol can have a greater effect on an
older person than on someone who is younger. - Some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, ulcers, and diabetes, can worsen with alcohol use.
- Many medicines—prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal remedies—can be dangerous or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. This is a special worry for older people because the average person over age 65 takes at least two medicines a day. If you take any medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol. Here are some examples:
- Aspirin can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines; the risk of bleeding is higher if you takeaspirin while drinking alcohol.
- Cold and allergy medicines (antihistamines) often make people sleepy; when combined with alcohol this drowsiness can be worse.
- Alcohol used with large doses of the pain killer acetaminophen can raise the risk of liver damage.
- Some medicine, such as cough syrups and laxatives, have a high alcohol content.
alchohol abuse would always lead to liver cancer if not properly treated ;