AGING and ALCOHOL
Information Sheet
EPIDEMIOLOGY
- In the next 15-20 years the population of the older adults
will double.
- 2-4% of the elderly meet current criteria alcohol abuse
or dependence.
- An additional 10-15% of the elderly meet criteria for
at-risk drinking.
- Concurrent depression
and alcohol use increases in
prevalence with age.
- Past history of addictive disorders may increase the
vulnerability to CNS disorders
such as dementia and depression in late life.
TREATMENT AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
- While there is ample evidence that moderate drinking
in healthy individuals is non-harmful
and perhaps health promoting, there is pilot data about the effects
of moderate to heavy drinking
on common chronic medical/psychiatric
disorders of late life. For instance, there are some limited data
suggesting that moderate
drinking in late life is associated
with a poor response to standard depression care.
- Reduced health care costs and disability can be demonstrated
up to 2 years after interventions
targeting at-risk and problem drinking.
- Despite the lack of research on late-life addictions
there is evidence that older
adults who do seek treatment have better adherence to treatment
and better treatment outcomes than
younger patients. Studies examining
these differences may give clues for improving outcomes in younger
adults.
HEALTH SERVICES AND TRAINING CHALLENGES
- A recent primary care study of elderly patients found
that <1% of those with at-risk drinking or alcohol abuse/dependence
were in formal addiction care. This study included a substantial
number of veterans who should have greater access to addiction
treatment.
- Many patients especially those with depression will first
seek care from their primary
care provider or psychiatrist for comorbid conditions and not in
an addiction treatment center. Geriatric
psychiatrists often report
limited training in dealing with addictions.
- Similarly, except for a few specific programs most addiction
clinics report limited expertise
in caring for older adults. Many clinics have difficulty accommodating
disabilities such as ambulatory
problems, cognitive problems,
and chronic medical problems.
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