Substance abuse, particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs, is one of the fastest growing health problems facing older adults. Yet, even as the number of older adults suffering from these disorders climbs, the situation remains underestimated, underidentified, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Until relatively recently, alcohol and prescription drug misuse, which affects up to 17 percent of older adults, was not discussed in either the substance abuse or the gerontological literature.

Approximately 35 million Americans are ages 65 and older. This is about 12.4 percent of the total population. Even more significantly, baby boomers will increase this proportion to 20 percent by 2030. That is approximately 70 million people.

As Americans live longer many will carry their use and abuse of alcohol and drugs into old age. Life expectancy jumped almost 30 years between 1900 and 1989 and continues to climb. By the year 2050, one out of four Americans over age 65 will be 85 and older. Substance use disorders, if not diagnosed and treated, may ruin the last stage of life for countless Americans.

Many people link alcohol abuse to college students engaged in binge drinking. However, alcohol abuse in older adults often goes undetected. For example, few realize widowers over age 75 have the highest rate of alcoholism in the country. It is not widely known that alcohol-related problems put older Americans in the hospital more often than heart attacks.

Family and medical personnel often miss signs of alcohol abuse in older adults.

Aging changes the way bodies metabolize alcohol. Furthermore, as people age, they tend to require an increased number of medications to stay healthy. Medications and alcohol can be a dangerous combination without diligence and oversight.

Mixing alcohol with prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain killers or antihistamines can be very dangerous, even fatal. For example, aspirin can cause bleeding in the stomach and intestines; when aspirin is combined with alcohol, the risk of bleeding is much higher.

There are two types of problem drinkers – chronic and situational. Chronic abusers have been heavy drinkers for many years. Although many chronic abusers die by middle age, some live well into old age. Most older problem drinkers are in this group.

Other people may develop a drinking problem late in life, often because of "situational" factors such as retirement, lowered income, failing health, loneliness or the death of friends or loved ones. At first, having a drink brings relief, but later it can turn into a problem.

The good news is that older problem drinkers have a strong chance for recovery because once they decide to seek help they usually stay with treatment programs. A health care provider or clergy member can provide information and support. A local health department or social services agency also can help.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.