Grey-Bruce Boomers Fall 2023

y Bailey Ressler
Many people enjoy drinking beer, indulging in
their favourite spirit, or sipping some wine
while celebrating, socializing, or to relax.
But, did you know that as we age, the way our
bodies process alcohol changes? The circumstances
surrounding our drinking may also be changing and
we may experience different effects. It’s important to
consider these changes when making decisions about
our alcohol use and how we can better our health.
The facts about alcohol
Alcohol is the most-used psychoactive among
Canadians. Also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol,
alcohol is a legal substance that is present at varying
levels in beverages like wine, beer, and spirits.
In Canada, alcohol is the leading risk factor for
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
premature death, disease, and disability. There are
a variety of short- and long-term effects associated
with alcohol consumption. Short-term effects can
include an increased risk of violence, injury, and
alcohol poisoning, while long-term effects may
include alcohol dependence, stroke, disease of the
heart or liver, mental illness, and cancer.
Alcohol is also a depressant. Depressants can slow
the functioning of the central nervous system, which
includes the brain.
Changes to Canada’s alcohol guidance
Guidance on alcohol consumption has evolved over
the years. Early in 2023, the Canadian Centre of
Substance Use and Addiction released Canada’s
Guidance on Alcohol and Health, replacing the Low-
Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines issued in 2011. The
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FALL 2023 • 27