Alcohol: Abuse, Awareness, and Aging Christine Hatcher

Baby Boomers and Substance Abuse The Baby Boomers (people who were born between 1946 and 1964) lived through a time of incredible social reform during the 1960’s and 1970’s. These people were born post World War II and experienced and lived through the Vietnam War. As a cohort, the baby boomers experimented with more alcohol and illicit drugs than did any generation before them, and have been hypothesized to have more open attitudes about alcohol and illicit drugs use. Now their turning 65 and older and until just recently, no one seemed to stop and wonder if they would carry their old habits into their later years. According to a 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, adults age 50 and older who need alcohol or drug treatment will increase from 2.8 million in 2002-2006, to 5.7 million by 2020. Currently, 4 million older adults need substance use treatment. 0.4 million needing treatment for illicit drugs. 3.2 million needing treatment for alcohol. 0.4 million needing treatment for both.

Alcohol and Older Adults The aging process can sometimes result in social isolation. Lose of loved ones, retirement, altered activity levels, disability, or relocation of family or friends can all produce feelings of isolation and loneliness in older adults. For the Baby Boomer Generation, the adults of this age range are planning for retirement, facing family transition issues, and are confronting physiological changes associated with aging. For some older adults, alcohol is used as a coping mechanism to deal with their changing lives especially in their mid 50’s where a greater portion of age related changes begin and are more noticeable. What is “too much”? A standard drink is 1 can of beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 mixed drink. Women: having more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 drinks a week. Men: having more than 4 drinks at one time or more than 14 drinks a week.

Alcohol Abuse Vs. Alcohol Dependence With Alcohol Abuse, a person may use alcohol in excessive amounts but not on a daily or weekly basis. A person may experience episodes of heavy binge drinking, followed by a period of not drinking. In the form of Alcohol dependence the person may feel like they need to drink daily. As their tolerance increases the person will continue to raise the amount they drink in order to receive the same effect. In the event that the person quits or attempt to quit they will have sever withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, shaking, aggression, or insomnia.

Alcohol and Medications A report on alcohol and prescription drug interactions indicated that 40% of older adults were taking medications that had interactions with alcohol, and 20% of older adults taking medications had moderate or severe interactions with alcohol. One third of those patients did not recall advice to avoid alcohol. A lot of medications (whether they are prescription or over-the counter) are dangerous or lethal when mixed with alcohol. The National Institute on Aging breaks down some of the complications alcohol and medication can produce: The combination of aspirin and alcohol can put you at risk for stomach and intestinal bleeding. Cold and allergy medicines (antihistamines) and alcohol can cause the feeling of sleepiness and fatigue. Acetaminophen (a common pain killer) and alcohol is a major catalyst of liver damage. The combination of alcohol and sleeping medication, anxiety, or anti- depression medication can be lethal.

Classification of Problem Drinking for OA’s The Early On-set Group: These individuals have long standing problems with alcohol that began in their 20’s and 30’s, and make up two thirds of older adults with drinking problems. This group tends to continue their drinking patterns into later life which creates major affective disorders and thought disorders. This group is more likely to have severe medical complications secondary to chronic heavy alcohol use. The Late On-set Group: These individuals account for one third of elderly problem drinkers. Late On-setters are usually physically, and psychologically healthier than early on- setters and they tend to have less alcoholism among family members, are of higher socioeconomic status, have less psychotherapy and less alcohol related chronic illness. This groups drinking problem usually occur in response to recent loss of a loved on or age related changes.

“Older Adults don’t struggle with substance abuse”. FALSE Problem Drinking in Older Adults For some reason this video begins 32 seconds in. Baby Boomers and Substance Abuse

Long Term Effects of Alcohol Heavy alcohol consumption over a long period of time can lead to: Cancers, liver damage, immune system disorders, and permanent brain damage. Worsening of health conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and ulcers. Difficulty for a doctor to find or identify a medical or health problem such as, changes in the heart and blood vessels which can suppress signs of a heart attack. Alcohol- Related Dementia (ARD): ARD (also known as Korsakoff’s Syndrome) is a form of dementia caused by long term, excessive drinking, resulting in neurological damage and impaired mental processing. It is caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) which affects the brain and nervous system. People affected by this often tend to be men aged 45 to 65 with a long history of alcohol misuse. It is not clear why some heavy drinkers develop ARD and some do not but genes and diet probably have a substantial role.

Treatment Many older adults will deny or hide a problem because of shame, perceived moral failure, and fear of losing independence. Age specific treatment a better course of action for older adults that utilizes supportive, adaptive, creative, and less confrontational approach that also addresses age related needs. Types of Treatments: Cognitive behavioral and brief interventions Engaging families Support and Self help Groups

References Works Cited Briggs, W. P., Magnus, V. A., Lassiter, P., Patterson, A., & Smith, L. (2011). Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse Among older Adults: Implications for Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 112-127. Ross, S. (2010). Alcohol Use Disorders in the Elderly. Psychiatry Weekly. Vimont, C. (2013, October 22). Baby Boomers Continue Substance Use as They Age. Retrieved from Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: http://www.drugfree.org/join- together/baby-boomers-continue-substance-use-as-they-age/ Zanjani, F., Hoogland, A. I., & Downer, B. G. (2013). Alcohol and prescription drug safety in older adults. Drug, Healthcare & Patient Safety, 13-27.