Individuals over 35 may experience different physical effects compared to younger drinkers. As Americans reach midlife, their alcohol consumption is increasing, leading to negative outcomes. In 2022, those aged 35 to 50 reported unprecedented levels of binge drinking. A recent study revealed that the most significant rise in heavy drinking from 2018 to 2022 occurred among individuals in their 40s. Medical professionals are increasingly worried about the growing alcohol use among middle-aged women, as it leads to more cases of liver and heart diseases linked to alcohol. Researchers remain uncertain about the reasons behind the increase in drinking within this age group, but they pointed out that adults faced the stress of looking after both children and elderly parents, increased work demands, and unprecedented levels of loneliness. This trend is concerning because middle age is when the health repercussions of years of drinking, such as cancer and heart or liver disease, typically begin to appear. Drinking poses greater risks in midlife because the body becomes less efficient at metabolizing alcohol, and more individuals are likely to develop chronic illnesses that can be aggravated by drinking. “I don’t want to create panic,” stated Katherine Keyes, an epidemiology professor at Columbia University. “However, I believe it’s quite concerning at this stage.” A night of excessive drinking is more hazardous at 55 than at 25 for several reasons. Alcohol can worsen health issues that are often experienced during middle age, such as issues with blood sugar or elevated blood pressure. Consuming even one or two drinks can briefly elevate a person’s heart rate, which may heighten the risk of a heart attack or heart failure.
