The changes during late adulthood can be dramatic and come on suddenly. It can significantly impact a person’s health, lifestyle, and social connections. These changes can make adjusting to the new normal difficult for someone over 65. They can even create vulnerability to substance use in an older adult who never had a drinking problem before retirement.
Here, we delve into the tie between alcohol and seniors in more detail. If you or someone you love is struggling with senior alcohol abuse, we are here to help. Contact us today or continue reading to learn more.
Why are Older Americans Drinking?
Alcoholism in the Elderly Symptoms
Late-onset addiction can affect older adults, even ones who have never misused drugs or alcohol until now.
There are some signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD) that you can look for in loved ones in this age group. They include;
- Hiding drinking habits
- A change to self-care
- An increase in isolating themselves
- Injuries during periods of drinking.
Awareness of AUD can be a starting point for a conversation with your loved one about treatment options. A program designed with age-specific needs in mind can be a helpful way for them to begin recovering from senior alcoholism with people their age and with family support throughout the treatment process.
The Top 10 Signs of Alcoholism in the Elderly
Looking for signs of alcohol misuse in an older loved one or friend can feel challenging. Some symptoms of normal aging can show up in similar ways. So, it may take close observation over several weeks.
The ten most common signs of alcohol abuse in older adults include:
- Does your loved one drink as a response to emotional feelings? A drink might be used as a way for them to manage anxiety or depression.
- Do you notice your loved one drinking alcoholic beverages quickly? Drinking faster could be what leads them to drink more.
- Have you noticed a loved one hiding their drinking habits? Changing places where alcohol is stored and not letting people see their empty containers may be signs of alcohol abuse in older adults.
- Has your loved one gotten hurt while drinking? Injuries can become a severe threat when an older adult loses coordination after having a drink or two.
- Do they appear intoxicated frequently? You may notice it’s become a regular thing, and they may drink every time you see them.
- Has their tolerance for alcohol increased recently? Typically, tolerance decreases in older adults. A new increase suggests they may be drinking regularly now.
- Is your loved one isolating themselves more often? A family member who drinks may not want company if they feel they will be judged. They may also become resentful or argumentative when other people are around.
- Has their self-care changed lately? A decline in care for themselves, their pet, or their home in general could be a sign of losing interest in anything besides alcohol.
- Are you noticing unusual changes in their memory? Memory loss can come from nutritional deficiency or mixing alcohol with prescription medication.
- Is your loved one experiencing legal, financial, medical, or social problems? Drinking can result in these potential issues, and an older adult may attempt to minimize a situation or act like they have it under control.
Does Senior Alcoholism Look Different?
Yes, alcohol abuse in older adults shows up in ways that are specific to the age group. They’re at retirement age and may not have the financial resources of their past. They may be dealing with grief from the loss of loved ones and friends. Older adults may have a shrinking social circle and spend more time alone.
The effects of alcohol on the body of an older adult can show up differently, too. It can add safety risks for someone whose motor skills and coordination may already have been affected by aging. As a group, older adults are more likely to be taking prescription medication regularly. Mixing meds with alcohol can lead to breathing issues, dizziness, drowsiness, and many other harmful side effects.
Alcohol Sensitivity with Age
Did you know that drinking alcohol in your 70’s and 80’s can increase your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder?
Older adults experience a lowered tolerance when drinking alcohol. This change can result in intoxication after smaller amounts of beer, wine, or liquor are consumed. This change also can lead to accidents and injuries after alcohol is consumed.
Some factors contributing to higher alcohol sensitivity with aging come from:
- Less muscle to absorb alcohol.
- A longer absorption period.
- A lower amount of water in the body.
What Makes Alcohol Abuse in the Elderly a Concern?
The concern about senior alcohol abuse is two-fold. An impact on the health and well-being of a person is one consideration. Physical changes to the body due to aging make drinking a higher risk. Even drinking a small amount of alcohol for some seniors can lead to falls, fractures, and other injuries. The common use of prescription medications among older adults poses additional threats, as mixing alcohol and prescriptions can be both harmful and fatal.
Another concern is the impact of senior alcohol abuse on the healthcare system. As more seniors require treatment for substance use, the availability of space in detox facilities, hospitals, and treatment centers becomes critical. As withdrawal from alcohol use is a high risk at home, the need for detox services with medical supervision is essential.
Elderly Alcohol Abuse: Post-Pandemic
During the height of the pandemic, many older adults typically spent more time alone. Those with existing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may have begun drinking more regularly or consuming more alcohol at one time to cope with their symptoms. Their sleep patterns, energy levels, appetites, and daily behaviors may have changed significantly during this time. Checking on loved ones who have become accustomed to spending much time isolated since the pandemic started is recommended.
Seeking Help at Hanley Center for Alcohol Use
At Hanley Center, treatment for alcohol use in seniors is provided in a program exclusively designed for older adult recovery. Roughly one-third of the older adults in our programs did not experience an alcohol use problem until later in life. For some, excessive alcohol use can stem from the loss of independence, the loss of a loved one, or a sudden illness.
The program for older adults provides an opportunity to detox safely and restore health through improved eating habits, regular activity, and strategies to face cravings and any mental health symptoms. Also, older adult recovery at Hanley Center’s alcohol rehab in Florida focuses on helping people improve their cognitive abilities and even learn how to rebuild damaged relationships with friends and family members.
Hanley Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for mental illnesses and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting wellness
For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
