The Administration on Aging and The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration issued a brief on Alcohol Misuse and Abuse Prevention. Community surveys have estimated the prevalence of problem drinking among older adults from 1 percent to 16 percent, depending on the definitions of older adults, at-risk and problem drinking, and alcohol abuse/dependence. Estimates of alcohol problems are the highest among people seeking health care because individuals with drinking problems are more likely to seek medical care. Fourteen percent of men and 3 percent of women older than age 65 engage in binge drinking. Misuse and abuse of alcohol in older adults present unique challenges for recognizing the problem and determining the most appropriate treatment interventions. Alcohol use problems in this age group often go unrecognized and, if they are recognized, are generally undertreated. Standard diagnostic criteria for abuse or dependence are difficult to apply to older adults, leading to under-identification of the problem. Older adults who are experiencing substance misuse and abuse are a growing and vulnerable population. For adults ages 60 and older the recommended limits of alcohol consumption are: Men: No more than 7 drinks/week, or 1 standard drink/day; Women: No more than 7 drinks/week, or 1 standard drink/day; Binge drinking: Men: No more than 3 standard drinks on a drinking occasion; Women: No more than 2 standard drinks on a drinking occasion. Older individuals …
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