Browse

+AA

View All Topics

Alcohol use

Drinking too much can increase your risk of developing certain cancers and immune system disorders as well as damage to muscles and bones. Find out more about the effects of alcohol on the aging process.

12 steps towards recovery: Can engaging in support programs help with alcohol use disorder?

Read Blog Post

Low-Risk Drinking: How Much is Too Much?

Read Blog Post

Alcohol and surgery: A dangerous combination

Read Blog Post

Get the latest content first. Sign up for free weekly email alerts.

Filter Results

19 Show All 4Blog Posts 3Evidence Summaries 12Web Resource Ratings 0Patient Decision Aids

Want to know what professionals are reading?

Search all our content.

Browse other AGE-WELL categories

Supportive homes and communities Health care and health service delivery Autonomy and independence Cognitive health and dementia Mobility and transportation Healthy lifestyles and wellness Staying connected Financial wellness and employment

Evidence Summary

Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2020)
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol consumption: The benefit is in the dose
Evidence-based Living

Moderate alcohol use may have some health benefits (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men). Alcohol use in older people may increase your risk of accidents including falls and fractures.
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol use disorder
Mayo Clinic

Unhealthy alcohol use can lead to serious problems. It is important to get early treatment. Details in this resource about how to recognize, treat and help others cope with unhealthy alcohol use.
Evidence Summary

In people with alcohol-use disorders, acamprosate (Campral®) and naltrexone (ReVia®) reduce alcohol use
AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (2014)
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol: Weighing risks and potential benefits
Mayo Clinic

You should not start drinking alcohol or drink it more often for potential health benefits. Potential benefits include lower risk of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Risks include many serious health problems. The benefits of alcohol consumption do not outweigh the risks.
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure?
Mayo Clinic

Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure to an unhealthy level. If you have high blood pressure, avoid alcohol or drink it in moderation. Moderate drinking is one drink a day for men and women over 65.
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol and health: The good, the bad, and the ugly
HealthLine

Alcohol consumption can increase your risk of diseases to many different parts of your body including brain, liver, and heart. Drinking small amount of red wine has shown health benefits. If you tend to drink excessively, you should avoid it.
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol withdrawal and alcohol detoxification
Patient.co.uk

Many people who drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis become alcohol-dependent. This has a lot of negative impacts on your body. These people may experience withdrawal if they stop drinking. There is support available to help with this.
Evidence Summary

Perioperative alcohol cessation intervention for postoperative complications.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol and cancer risk
National Cancer Institute

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer. Risk of some cancers are even greater for people who drink and smoke. Follow drinking guidelines to help lower your risk (details in this resource).
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol use and cancer
American Cancer Society

Alcohol is linked to many different types of cancer. Drinking alcohol regularly increases risk of head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, or colorectal cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk. Recommended alcohol limits are no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
Web Resource Rating

Alcoholism: Alternative medicine
Mayo Clinic

Treatment of alcohol use disorder is tailored to the needs of the individual. Some treatment options include: developing a treatment plan, detox, medication, counselling, and ongoing support.
Web Resource Rating

Alcoholism: Coping and support
Mayo Clinic

Alcohol use disorder involves an unhealthy drinking pattern that impacts your daily functioning and causes distress. This resource provides information on symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, and when to see a doctor.
Web Resource Rating

Alcohol and sensible drinking
Patient.co.uk

Drinking above recommended limits increases the risk of developing serious problems.
Web Resource Rating

Drinks to consume in moderation
Harvard School of Public Health

Artificially sweetened drinks, diet drinks, 100% fruit juice, milk, and alcohol should be consumed in moderation.
Blog Post

4 Evidence-based benefits of seeking peer support

Can turning to our peers hold benefits for our health? You’ll be happy to know that research lends support to the use of this strategy.
Blog Post

12 steps towards recovery: Can engaging in support programs help with alcohol use disorder?

Are you or someone you care for looking for a program to support recovery from alcohol misuse and dependence? See what the research says about widely used recovery support services.
Blog Post

Managed alcohol programs: Helping chronic alcoholics with regular doses of alcohol

The harmful use of alcohol resulted in approximately three million deaths worldwide in 2016. Managed alcohol programs are a promising harm-reduction approach for people living with severe alcohol dependence who often experience homelessness or housing instability.
Blog Post

Scheduled for surgery? Say no to alcohol

Drinking alcohol puts you at a significantly higher risk of complications post-surgery. Intensive strategies that curb alcohol intake in the period leading up to surgery may improve how well you come out on the other side.

Want the latest in aging research? Sign up for our email alerts.

Our Content

About

Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.