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Highlights
Rising Alcohol Use Among Older Adults
Dry January Tips
Effects of Alcohol on Older Adults
Donation Request
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Rising alcohol use among older adults
By Dawn Sugarman, Ph.D., Contributor, and
Shelly Greenfield, MD, MPH, Contributor - Harvard Health Publishing
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"Alcohol use in older adults has been trending upward over the years, particularly among women. One epidemiologic survey determined that in the United States between 2001 and 2013, among people 65 and older, the rate of alcohol use disorder increased 107%. The University of Michigan’s 2021 National Poll on Healthy Aging found that although the majority of older adults surveyed were drinking alcohol at low to moderate levels, there was a subset of older adults exceeding the recommended guidelines for alcohol use. In particular, 20% of respondents drank alcohol four or more times per week; 27% reported having six or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past year, and 7% reported alcohol-related blackouts.
Emerging evidence indicates that individuals in the United States and globally are increasing their alcohol use in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Research that has examined older adults’ alcohol use during the early phases of the pandemic has generally found that compared to younger adults, older adults report smaller increases in alcohol use. However, a national survey study and a study of social media users both found that older adults reporting depression and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic were more likely to increase their alcohol use than those without these symptoms."
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Thinking of trying Dry January? Steps for success
By Matthew Solan, Harvard Health Publishing
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"If you recognize your own behavior in this survey and wish to cut down on your alcohol intake, or simply want to begin the new year with a clean slate, join in the Dry January challenge by choosing not to drink beer, wine, or spirits for one month. Dry January began in 2012 as a public health initiative from Alcohol Change UK, a British charity. Now millions take part in this health challenge every year.
While drinking a moderate amount of alcohol is associated with health benefits for some people in observational studies, heavier drinking and long-term drinking can increase physical and mental problems, especially among older adults. Heart and liver damage, a higher cancer risk, a weakened immune system, memory issues, and mood disorders are common issues.
Yet, cutting out alcohol for even a month can make a noticeable difference in your health. Regular drinkers who abstained from alcohol for 30 days slept better, had more energy, and lost weight, according to a study in BMJ Open. They also lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduced cancer-related proteins in their blood.
Tips for a successful Dry January
- Find a substitute non-alcoholic drink. For social situations, or when you crave a cocktail after a long day, reach for alcohol-free beverages like sparkling water, soda, or virgin beverages (non-alcoholic versions of alcoholic drinks.)
- Non-alcoholic beer or wine also is an option, but some brands still contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume, so check the label.
- Avoid temptations. Keep alcohol out of your house. When you are invited to someone’s home, bring your non-alcoholic drinks with you.
- Create a support group. Let friends and family know about your intentions and encourage them to keep you accountable. Better yet, enlist someone to do the challenge with you.
- Use the Try Dry app. This free app helps you track your drinking, set personal goals, and offers motivational information like calories and money saved from not drinking. It’s aimed at cutting back on or cutting out alcohol, depending on your choices.
- Don’t give up. If you slip up, don't feel guilty. Just begin again the next day."
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The Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health |
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For more information about co-occurring conditions please read more here.
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Effects of Alcohol on Older Adults |
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Graphic from: CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Alcohol can have different effects on aging bodies and minds, especially excessive drinking. Nebraskans aged 45-64 are drinking excessively more than the national average.
- Lead to some kinds of cancer, liver damage, immune system disorders, and brain damage
- Worsen some health conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, ulcers, memory loss, and mood disorders
- Make some medical problems hard for doctors to find and treat—for example, alcohol causes changes in the heart and blood vessels. These changes can dull pain that might be a warning sign of a heart attack.
- Cause some older people to be forgetful and confused—these symptoms could be mistaken for signs of Alzheimer's disease.
- Alcohol can have dangerous interactions with many medications.
- It can also lead to balance issues which can lead to falls that are more harmful to older adults.
For more information about alcohol and aging, please click here.
Coalition Rx's program the Wellness Initiative for Senior Education addresses this issue and many more related to substance abuse prevention. For more information, please visit our website here.
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What's New at Coalition Rx? |
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We would like to give a warm welcome to our newest board member Lt. Steve Fornoff from the Omaha Police Department. Lt. Fornoff has been with OPD for 22 years. He is currently working in the narcotics unit at OPD. |
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For more information on our programming & what we do, check out our website. |
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Help Reduce the Misuse of Substances of Abuse |
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Founded in 2015, our mission is to reduce the misuse of all substances of abuse by raising awareness and partnering with community organizations to provide public and professional education, prevention and treatment resources, and policy advocacy. |
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Carey Pomykata Executive Director
(402) 871-5622
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