By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    UV damage to eyes
    Warning Signs of Long-Term UV Damage to Your Eyes
    December 9, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    The Ultimate Healthcare Recruiting and Staffing Guidebook
    March 21, 2022
    medicare part d benefits
    Everything that You Need to Know About Medicare Part D
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    nursing program
    7 Tips to Picking the Best Nursing Program
    February 5, 2018
    Health Care: A Modern-Day Blade Runner?
    December 10, 2014
    Occupational Therapy Assistant | Medical Assistant | Home Health Aide
    In-Demand Healthcare Support Jobs
    April 16, 2016
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Alcohol Abuse a Growing Problem for Older Adults
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Geriatrics > Alcohol Abuse a Growing Problem for Older Adults
Geriatrics

Alcohol Abuse a Growing Problem for Older Adults

Anthony Cirillo
Last updated: September 27, 2012 8:56 am
Anthony Cirillo
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE


 


 

More Read

The Most Effective Ways to Manage and Prevent UTIs in the Elderly
How An Alcohol Detox Center Can Help You Fight Addiction
Improving Care Coordination for Aging New Yorkers
Nursing Homes in Maine Are Best in Nation
Video Games Better Than Crosswords for Slowing/Reversing Declines in Brain Function
The Administration on Aging and The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration issued a brief on Alcohol Misuse and Abuse Prevention. Community surveys have estimated the prevalence of problem drinking among older adults from 1 percent to 16 percent, depending on the definitions of older adults, at-risk and problem drinking, and alcohol abuse/dependence.  

Estimates of alcohol problems are the highest among people seeking health care because individuals with drinking problems are more likely to seek medical care. Fourteen percent of men and 3 percent of women older than age 65 engage in binge drinking.

Misuse and abuse of alcohol in older adults present unique challenges for recognizing the problem and determining the most appropriate treatment interventions. Alcohol use problems in this age group often go unrecognized and, if they are recognized, are generally undertreated. Standard diagnostic criteria for abuse or dependence are difficult to apply to older adults, leading to under-identification of the problem. Older adults who are experiencing substance misuse and abuse are a growing and vulnerable population. 

  

For adults ages 60 and older the recommended limits of alcohol consumption are:
  • Men: No more than 7 drinks/week, or 1 standard drink/day;
  • Women: No more than 7 drinks/week, or 1 standard drink/day;

    Binge drinking:

  • Men: No more than 3 standard drinks on a drinking occasion;
  • Women: No more than 2 standard drinks on a drinking occasion.

    Older individuals should not drink any alcohol if they: 

    • Are taking certain prescription medications,
    • Have medical conditions that can be made worse by alcohol (e.g., diabetes, heart disease),
    • Are planning to drive a car or engage in other activities requiring alertness and skill, 

    • Are recovering from alcohol dependence, should not drink alcoho.

SBIRT is a comprehensive model for addressing at-risk alcohol use, problem use, and dependence in a variety of health care settings.  

  • Screening quickly assesses the severity of substance use and identifies the appropriate level of intervention.
     
  • Brief interventions focus on increasing insight into and awareness of substance use and motivation for behavioral change.
     
  • Referral to treatment provides access to specialty substance abuse assessment and care, if needed.

According to the brief, the majority of older adults who are at risk for problem alcohol use, psychoactive prescription medication use, or both do not need formal specialized substance abuse treatment. However, many can benefit from prevention messages, screening, and brief interventions.

The first step in helping older adults who are at-risk for problems related to alcohol use is screening. The most useful alcohol screening instruments include questions on quantity/ frequency and binge drinking to determine an estimate of the amounts consumed, and consequences to determine the extent and severity of the problems. 
 
While this brief was certainly written for health professionals and social service professionals, nonetheless, it is important to know that substance abuse among older adults is real and knowing the acceptable limits of consumption can help you identify someone at risk. That is the first step in getting that person help.
 
 


TAGGED:alcoholdrinking
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Technology Applications and the Fast-Moving Elderly

June 30, 2012

Fight Senior Hunger Thanksgiving 2012

November 21, 2012
Image
GeriatricsHospital AdministrationMedical EducationPublic HealthTechnology

Person-Centered HealthCare: At-Home Care is Key

March 8, 2013

Tips for Working with Older Adults Who Hoard

December 11, 2012
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?