Successful Aging - Archived Article

Successful Aging - Archived Article
Alcohol, Use, Abuse and the Elderly: The Known Secret.

"He sat quietly in the corner of the room drinking a beer. He was enjoying himself. The alcohol deadened the pain of loneliness and isolation. Everyone in the room was enjoying themselves . . . why couldn't he just sit there, drink and celebrate by himself?"

This scenario is one that occurs in many families. The person "enjoying himself" is not a rebellious teen, but a 74-year-old great-grandfather.

Alcohol abuse among the elderly is more prevalent than most people believe. However, this problem often goes unrecognized. When younger people are abusing alcohol or other drugs, they are more likely to be in the public eye. Co-workers or supervisors may notice poor job performance and attendance. But because older people are often no longer in the workforce, they are able to conceal their problem, maybe even from themselves. Similarly, because older people may have fewer household or childcare responsibilities, family members are not as reliant on them, and may tolerate or overlook the unusual behavior.

Even when there is awareness among family members, the elder's alcohol abuse may become a family joke or acceptable secret. Many of the signs of alcohol abuse may go unrecognized because they resemble behaviors that some people believe to be "normal" for older people. Or, some symptoms may be assumed to be signs of a dementing illness, such as Alzheimer's Disease.

These include:

Slurring of words
Forgetfulness and confusion
Poor attention to hygiene.
Not adhering to medical appointments and treatment.
Unstable or poorly controlled hypertension.
Recurrent accidents, injuries or falls.
Frequent visits to the emergency department.
Stomach and intestinal problems.
Unexpected shakes or trembling during hospitalization.
Estrangement or isolation from family.

Don't assume you know the reasons for these behaviors unless and until you have had them checked out by a physician! It may be disturbing to realize that you or someone you love has a drinking problem.

Unfortunately, in our society, admitting to having a problem with substance abuse, as is the case with any mental illness, has a great stigma attached to it. Some still regard alcohol abuse as a moral failing rather than a mental health issue.

But to ignore the problem does the elder a great disservice. Alcohol treatment studies have shown that older persons respond to alcohol treatment more rapidly and successfully than any other age group. The elderly have greater resources and family support, and therefore are able to begin and effectively continue treatment. The secret of alcohol abuse need not be a problem that you, or someone else should handle alone.

If you or someone you know has alcohol related problems, contact Broome County Office for Aging, 607.778.2411 or your physician for assistance.

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