Older Adults at Serious Risk - alcoholism - Brief Article

The abuse of alcohol and legal drugs--prescribed and over-the-counter--is a serious health problem among older Americans. This "invisible epidemic" affects up to 17% of adults age 60 or older, a rapid-growth segment of America's population, according to a report produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment.

It is more difficult for health care providers to diagnose alcoholism in older patients because one-third of those with problems hadn't abused alcohol in their earlier years, nor did they have health problems, trouble with the law, or difficulties with family relationships associated with problem drinking. These older problem drinkers typically begin abusing alcohol and medications following the death of a spouse, a divorce, retirement, or some other major life change.

The report states that 15% of male alcoholics indicate that their first symptoms of alcoholism occurred between ages 60 and 69, and 14% indicate that they came between 70 and 79. For women, the percentages are even higher, with 24% reporting their first signs of alcoholism between 60 and 69, and 28% between 70 and 79.

"As we age, there are physical changes in the body that lead to a lower tolerance for alcohol," explains Camille Barry, acting director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. "Often, relatives of older individuals try not to notice if they see signs of inebriation. However, that cocktail or two may be taking away a loved one's independence and health."

"As sharp growth in the elderly population is anticipated with the aging of the baby boomer generation," notes SAMHSA Administrator Nelba Chavez, "we must begin now to educate health care providers on the need to carefully screen their older patients for signs of alcohol abuse and medication misuse and abuse."

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