Recently, our chief clinical officer here at New Beginnings Recovery Center was interviewed by a reporter from the Palm Beach Post for an article about the large increase in the number of elderly adults who are abusing alcohol.
Frank Galimidi, Chief Clinical Officer
In his response to the reporter asking why he believes more and more elderly Americans are struggling with alcohol abuse, Frank Galimidi said, “for some people, it’s like a light switch goes off… now they feel like they have both the permission and the time.”
Frank went on to add that this trend of overage heavy drinking is especially impacting folks who have regularly had nights of hard drinking throughout their lifetime.
Why Are Older Adults Turning to Heavy Drinking?
As life proceeds, many people are under the impression that things get easier, or less stressful. However, for many people, this is not at all the case. As loved ones, relatives and friends pass away, elderly adults can very easily start to feel alone and isolated. Fear and anxiety that comes with aging is a common reason for overage drinking.
In addition, some experts believe that the stress and confusion resulting from the rapid increase in technology can lead elderly adults to drink in order to cope. After all, things like the internet, social media, Ebay and Amazon were not things that today’s baby boomers have had much experience with throughout their lifetime.
As we get older, our bodies change. While two or three drinks at the age of 30 might not be detrimental to our health, that same number of drinking at the age of 60 can cause much more of an impact. Many older adults who have become accustomed to socially drinking throughout their lives find themselves abusing alcohol during their later years, because they think that they can still handle the same amount without negative consequences.
Statistics about Elderly Adults Who Drink
According the the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, here are some facts and statistics that support the growing problem of elderly alcohol abuse:
- 17% (8 million) older adults abuse alcohol and drugs.
- Problem drinking in nursing homes is as high as 49%
- 14% of all elderly patients in emergency rooms exhibit symptoms of alcoholism
- 20% of all elderly patients admitted to psychiatric services exhibit symptoms of alcoholism.
- Up to 11% of older patients admitted to hospitals show symptoms of alcoholism
It’s clear that overage drinking is a growing problem across the U.S., and in particular here in Palm Beach, FL, where elderly adults account for a high percentage of the population.
With that being said, something that might come as a surprise is that less than 2% of all admissions to substance abuse treatment center are people 55 and over. Of the people over 55 who did get treatment for substance abuse, 80% were treated for alcohol as the primary drug.
Added Health Riskis of Elderly Drinking
Drinking heavily only increases the likelihood of medical and emotional issues, especially for the elderly. For example, drinking alcohol causes us to be dizzy and unsteady on our feet. This can lead to an increased risk of a fall that can result in bruises, abrasion and even broken bones.
Dehydration is a common cause of sickness and poor health during the later years in life. Drinking alcohol only increases the impact of dehydration on the aging human body. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems such as: kidney failure, kidney stones, diabetes, colitis, gout, heart disease, and dementia.
Another side effect of aging is an increased likelihood of taking a prescription medication for blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or something else. Mixing alcohol consumption with prescription pills can be extremely dangerous. People who mix pills and alcohol find themselves at higher risk for serious health problems and accidents that can result in injury, or even death.
It is not uncommon for people in their older age to feel lonely or isolated. As we lose touch with family members and friends, it’s easy to start feeling sad or depressed. Drinking alcohol only makes this feeling worse for older adults. Alcohol, after all, is a depressant. So, even though drinking might make a person temporarily forget the feeling of loneliness, in the end, alcohol only increases the likelihood of depression and other mental health problems.
Elderly Adults with a Drinking Problem to Double by 2020
As baby boomers are entering into retirement, many of them are beginning to struggle with alcohol abuse. Of course, having a few drinks has always been a pastime of retirement for many; however, new research is showing that more and more elderly folks who drink regularly are going too far with their drinking. In fact, according to a few studies done recently, the elderly are even out drinking the binge-drinking collegiate students that we are all very familiar with.
According to a study in the specialty journal, Addiction, “… an estimated 2.8 million older adults in the United States meet criteria for alcohol abuse.” The study goes on to report that “by the year 2020 – a mere four years away – that number is expected to reach 5.7 million.”
Identifying and Treating Overage Drinking
Our chief clinician Frank Galimidi and other substance abuse clinicians at New Beginnings Recovery Center work frequently with elderly patients who are concerned with their drinking habits. As the number of aging adults who are drinking too much rises, the need for access to care and identifying a problem before it results in serious consequences is more important than ever before.
It’s not easy to ask for help. Especially as an adult who has made it so far in life. However, the only way to break free from a serious alcohol abuse problem is to commit to treatment. At first, drinking may seem like it ails the physical and emotional pains of again; however, in the end, drinking will only lead to more serious negative consequences.