As you get older, you may notice alcohol affects you differently. Your body may not break it down as efficiently as it used to. This can mean alcohol has a stronger and faster effect on your brain. If your drinking habits stay the same, your risk of harm can increase.
Because alcohol can affect you more as you age, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora provides specific information on older members of the whānau.
Changes in your drinking habits
You might find your relationship with alcohol has changed over time. This can happen for many reasons, especially during life changes or difficult periods.
Some common reasons include:
- Long-standing habits that continue or increase
- Coping with bereavement, loneliness, or isolation
- Adjusting to the loss of a partner, routine, ability, or independence
- Having more free time or more opportunities to socialise
- Trying to relieve boredom, trauma, or pain
Alcohol can also affect your overall health. It may cause new health problems or make existing ones worse. These can include:
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Incontinence
- Memory loss
- Some cancers
- Mental health problems
You may also have a higher risk of falls when you have been drinking.
If any of this feels familiar, it may be a good time to review your drinking and talk to a health professional.
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora offers further support and information, including:
Impact on medication
If you take medication, it’s important to check whether alcohol is safe to have with it. Some medicines interact with alcohol. This can make the effects stronger or weaker or worsen side effects. If your medication label says, “Do not take with alcohol”, you should avoid alcohol completely while you are taking it.
Common medicines that can interact with alcohol include:
- Paracetamol
- Antihistamines
- Anti-inflammatories
- Heart medicines
- Antidepressants
- Antibiotics
When alcohol becomes a concern
It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or another health professional about what’s safe for you.
You should not drink alcohol if you are:
- Driving or using a mobility scooter
- Operating machinery
- Doing anything risky or requiring skill
- Feeling unwell, tired, or cold
If you’re concerned about your drinking, there are simple steps you can try:
- Set a limit and stick to it
- Drink alcohol only with food
- Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Try a warm, caffeine-free drink instead of alcohol if you’re using it to help with sleep
- Ask friends or whānau to support you
If your drinking feels difficult to manage, you don’t have to handle it alone. Talking to your doctor or calling the Alcohol Drug Helpline is a practical and supportive next step.
If you drink heavily or every day and want to make changes, it’s important to speak with your GP first. Stopping suddenly without medical support can cause serious withdrawal symptoms.
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora offers further support and information, including:
When drugs start to cause problems
If you are using drugs, whether prescription or illegal, it can be hard to tell when use is becoming a problem. You may want to seek help if you are:
- Using more than you intend to, or for longer than planned
- Wanting to cut down but finding you can’t
- Continuing to use despite it causing problems meeting your commitments or obligations
- Using substances in dangerous situations, such as when driving
If this sounds like your situation, support is available and it’s okay to reach out.
