Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital
Older Adult Behavioral Health Services 

Facts About Addiction in Older Adults

• Older adults believe addiction is a moral issue and can be defeated with will power. This belief makes it difficult for older individuals and their families to admit they need help.
• Older individuals may deny or refuse to recognize their alcohol problem or addiction.
• Family members may try to protect rather than confront the older alcoholic or addict.
• Many older adults are ashamed about their drinking or medication/drug use and do not want to talk about it.
• Some professionals mistakenly think the older alcoholic cannot be treated as successfully as a young person.
• An older adult’s chances of recovering from alcoholism are as good or better than with a younger alcoholic's chances. Despite the resistance that some older problem drinkers or drug abusers exhibit, treatment is worth pursuing.
• Studies show that older adults are more compliant with treatment and have treatment outcomes as good or better than those of younger patients (Oslin et al., 1997; Atkinson, 1995).
• Alcohol and medication have a greater effect on older individuals.
• Physical changes caused by aging decrease the body's ability to break down alcohol and medication.
• The effects of alcohol or medication can be more severe for older adults due to sensory losses which are part of the normal aging process.

• Alcoholism can cause other chronic illnesses among elderly to worsen.

• Some medical issues experienced by older adults:
  • Neuropathy
  • Heart condition
  • Diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure
• Issues that may worsen or contribute to an older person's alcohol or drug use:
  • Grief and loss
  • Life transitions
  • Isolation and anxiety

Free Confidential Assessment & Referrals

A counselor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we are committed to prompt attention.

Please call us at 1-800-432-5005.