talkhealth forums

I have just posted a question in young people and alcohol and seeing this has made me think - does is the effect of one drink on someone different depending on their age... I suppose what i am trying to understand is the younger you are are you more 'damaged' by a unit of alcohol than if you are an older person - or is it more about other health / body factors than age?

Hope that makes sense?! Thanks Susan

This is a good question. The effects of alcohol on the young are immediate, as their tolerance to it has not yet built up. In terms of damage, once your are older, and if you have become used to drinking regularly or dependently, then your body and brain have learned to tolerate much larger amounts, so in terms of getting drunk, generally the process takes longer and subsequent alcohol related illnesses are potentially a risk. There are so many different types of use, which is why blanket coverage of this subject can be ineffective. Once an older person has reached the pinnacle of their tolerance, and have been drinking hazardously for some time, then they lose their tolerance and become very poorly. So more obvious, direct consequences with young people are seen, with accidental harms and sometimes poisoning. Their bodies are not equipped to deal with large amounts of toxicity caused by alcohol.