Young men with alcohol dependence are more likely to have health problems later in life, compared with their peers who do not drink, a new study suggests.

Researchers found young adult men with alcohol dependence had an average of three medical conditions when they reached their 60s, compared with two medical conditions for those who did not drink. The study analyzed Vietnam-era veterans, according to HealthDay.

Men who had been heavy drinkers early in life were more likely to have health problems even if they had quit drinking for many years. The researchers said the results indicate there may be hidden mental or physical consequences of heavy drinking in young adulthood.

The findings appear in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol & Drugs.