All You Need to Know about Alcoholism in Older Adults

 

Alcohol consumption among older adults is common. Senior addicted to alcohol may increase their risk of several diseases. Depression, insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety may trigger seniors to start drinking alcohol. Your loved one may take annual physical exams to detect the early signs of drinking alcohol.

To cut down the risk of developing an addiction to alcohol, seniors may need to quit drinking. There are many rehabilitation facilities that specialize in helping seniors with alcohol abuse. Specialists can check your loved one and may help to overcome his or her desire for alcohol.

Causes of Alcohol Drinking in seniors

There are many factors which may contribute to alcoholism in Seniors. Your loved one may face trouble in finances or health which may lead to excessive drinking. There are other major reasons which may trigger seniors to drink alcohol. It may include empty nest syndrome, loss of friendships, health decline, or boredom. Alcohol is a depressant which may affect the brain's behavior and emotions. If your loved one has an addiction to alcohol then it may lead to many problems which may impact his or her health.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism in seniors

Alcoholism may affect a person at any age. But, chronic drinking and medical history may increase a senior's risk of alcohol use. There are many seniors who may struggle with alcoholism or practice binge drinking. In fact, two-thirds of seniors have a drinking problem or are chronic drinkers. Chronic drinking in seniors may start at an early age and can continue until an older age. Senior women may have more chances of developing alcohol drinking habits than men. Excess drinking may lead high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and liver disease. Long-term chronic health diseases may also increase the risk for alcohol in seniors. Seniors who may have chronic diseases may be more likely to develop a drinking problem. Diabetes, heart disease, or obesity may be the most common chronic diseases in seniors.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse in seniors

Family members, caregivers, or friends may recognize a senior’s drinking problems first. Do not overlook the warning signs of alcoholism you observe in your loved one. If the alcohol problems increase then it may lead to many troubles in seniors. Here are the few signs you may need to watch out when your loved one starts drinking alcohol.

·         Drinking to reduce depression

·         Consuming alcohol while consuming over-the-counter medications

·         Becoming confused or angry when he or she is sober

·         Speaking in a slurry manner 

·         Smell of alcohol on his or her breath or clothes

·         Lying about how many drinks he or she had

·         Hiding liquor bottles

·         Putting him or her in danger due to the drinking habit

Harmful Effects of Alcoholism in seniors

Alcohol consumption at an older age may trigger short- and long-term side effects. As your loved one gets older, his or her ability to metabolize alcohol at a normal rate declines. Alcohol in smaller amounts may also take a toll on your loved one's health. Seniors may take prescription and drugs each day to manage their health conditions. Some medications may trigger a negative effect when mixed with alcohol.

Author:

Carolina Orosa is a passionate and ambitious writer and blogger with a fun loving personality. In every topic, her motto is to help others and spread happiness to help people find a reason to enjoy and live life at best. She currently works with Home Care Assistance Vancouver and helps seniors find a better way to age in place and enhance quality of life.