|  | Family Health | Seniors Health

Alcohol Abuse in Seniors

Alcohol abuse can affect adults of any age. According to the West Virginia University Department of Community Medicine, between 2 percent and 10 percent of senior citizens have alcohol abuse issues, although some health-care professionals believe that the overall percentage is underestimated, says West Virginia University. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that 10 percent to 15 percent of seniors drink alcohol to excess.

  1. Potential Reasons for Alcohol Abuse

    • Chronic alcohol abusers who continue a pattern of drinking into later stages of life are not the only group of seniors that drink alcohol to excess. Life circumstances can lead to alcohol abuse in people who have not previously had problems with alcohol. After seniors retire, if they have not planned other structured and meaningful activities, they might turn to alcohol to combat loneliness or boredom. The death of a loved one and deterioration or changes in body functioning can also lead to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, reports the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

    Symptoms and Indicators

    • "The New York Times" reports that some of the typical indicators of alcohol abuse, such as missing work or being noticeably drunk, are not always visible in seniors, particularly if they live alone. This can make identifying alcohol abuse in seniors more challenging. However, there are other signs and symptoms of an alcohol problem. Behavioral indicators include lying about the amount of alcohol consumed, drinking alone, appearing to be resentful or irritable when not drinking and gulping drinks. Exhibiting a combination of medical or physical symptoms such as slurred speech, malnutrition, unexplained nausea and cirrhosis or other liver disorders could also indicate alcoholism in seniors.

    Special Considerations for Seniors

    • The effects of alcohol can be greatly pronounced in seniors. Pre-existing conditions common in older adults such as depression and anxiety, osteoporosis, hypertension and cognitive impairment can be made worse by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, reports "The New York Times." Seniors are also more likely to take prescription medication. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that drinking alcohol while on medications such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills and even aspirin can be very dangerous and potentially fatal.

    Treatment

    • Seniors can benefit from treatment plans that specifically address the life and medical issues relevant to their age group. The NIAA states that once seniors decide to seek help for their alcohol problem, they are likely to continue with the treatment program, improving their chances of recovery. Older adults or their families or friends can explore treatment options by consulting with a doctor or contacting organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and the National Institute on Aging.

Seniors Health - Related Articles