Alcoholism in older adults is a reality. They are largely forgotten, and it is essential to give them special attention because they are a vulnerable group. They may start drinking alcohol at this stage of adulthood, or simply maintain a dose they previously tolerated that now becomes a problem.
Alcohol is a normalized substance in today’s society. Alcohol consumption is common among both young and old. It is seen as a risk for adolescents because they are still growing. This legal drug harms their brains because they are still developing. When prevention and alcohol awareness campaigns are considered, the target audience is always the same: adolescents. So, what about older adults? They drink alcohol too.
Addictions at a certain age can become even more taboo, and people may try to keep them secret. In fact, the International Narcotics Control Board uses the term “hidden epidemic” to refer to addictions in older adults. It is important to make this reality visible and to seek the services of professionals who are experts in addictions to help you overcome addiction, such as those at CCAdicciones. It is a detox centre with an experienced medical team to provide treatments always tailored to each patient, offer intensive support, and use special techniques to address the disease of addiction.
The effects of alcohol in older people
Alcohol affects older people differently than adolescents,. However, drinking alcohol has negative side effects regardless of age. Older adults have an added risk linked to alcohol consumption. As people age, they metabolize alcohol more slowly. So it stays in the body longer, increasing the potential for harm. Over the years, sensitivity to alcohol increases and tolerance decreases. A dose the body could previously tolerate well becomes a problem with age. The risk of falling when drinking alcohol will increase because bones are weaker and it will be easier to lose balance.
In older age, people have greater vulnerability to alcohol consumption. It is more common to have some pathology, a health problem related to age. These illnesses will worsen with alcohol consumption. It harms conditions as common as osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, ulcers… In addition. it is also common to take medicines to treat certain ailments. Mixing pills with alcoholic drinks is not recommended. Adverse effects may occur and medications may lose effectiveness.
Strain in family relationships is another consequence of alcoholism in older adults. Although this factor would almost always be present, regardless of age. Relationships with other family members worsen,
Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome
Those who drink large amounts of alcohol may develop a mental disorder known as Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome (WKS) is associated with chronic alcoholism. It consists of two neurological conditions: Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which is the acute stage of the syndrome. Then Korsakoff’s amnestic syndrome appears, which is the long-term chronic stage of WKS.
It is caused by thiamine deficiency, a vitamin B1. It is a vital nutrient for the proper functioning of energy metabolism. It helps cells convert carbohydrates into energy. The function of carbohydrates is to provide energy. Excessive alcohol consumption prevents the absorption of thiamine, and its deficiency destroys brain cells. Therefore. it causes neurological changes and impairs cognitive functions, negatively affecting memory and learning.
Reasons for alcoholism in older adults
The reasons for alcohol consumption can vary by age. Adolescents use alcohol to have fun, socialize, and lower inhibitions. Whereas for older adults it can be an escape route.
Alcoholism in older adults can occur for different reasons. Retirement increases free time and alcohol consumption may be reinforced. They no longer have as many responsibilities or worries as before. There is a high percentage of older people who live alone, isolated, and feel abandoned. They spend all day alone and have no one to talk to. In these cases, drinking is used as a refuge to forget their reality. Also to cope with geriatric depression they may be experiencing from feeling they have already done everything in life and feeling they are reaching the end of their days.
Another reason alcohol consumption may intensify is difficulty falling asleep. Trying to solve insomnia by drinking alcoholic beverages. After drinking alcohol, you may experience a feeling of drowsiness that can mistakenly make you believe that drinking before going to bed will help you fall asleep sooner. Although you may fall asleep more quickly because it acts as a sedative, you will not rest and sleep quality will decrease.
Alcoholism treatment
Being willing to stop drinking alcohol is the attitude that will mark a turning point in alcoholism in older adults. It will be the first step. For this desire to become a reality, it will be necessary to start a detox treatment guided by professionals.
A person addicted to alcohol should not stop drinking abruptly and without any supervision. If they do, they will suffer a very intense withdrawal syndrome. Tremors, sweating, tachycardia, anxiety… These are some of the symptoms. At CCAdicciones our goal is to help patients regain control of their lives. Without depending on a harmful substance.
Way out of alcoholism in older adults
CCAdicciones offers a treatment to address alcoholism in older adults. Regardless of age, anyone with an alcohol addiction should seek professional help. We have a team of addiction experts. They will be responsible for designing a specific treatment for each patient, whether it is an addiction with or without a substance.
Get in touch with us and we will help you overcome addiction. It is never too late to start a new life.
