Rethinking Your Relationship with Alcohol

Binge drinking among older adults has been on the rise for several years. According to the American Psychological Association, one in 11 adults over the age of 60 had a substance use disorder in 2022.

“The baby boomers experienced much higher rates of substance use in their youth than previous generations,” said Wilson Compton, deputy director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health. “In some cases, they’re bringing those habits with them, either continuing their use or starting up again in their later adult years.”

Getting older brings wisdom, but it also brings changes to how our bodies process substances. What felt manageable at 40 might affect you differently at 65 or 75. Many older adults find themselves wondering whether their evening drinks, pain medications, or sleep aids have crossed a line from helpful to harmful.

Our bodies change in ways that make substance use riskier over time. You might feel the effects more strongly from the same amount you’ve used for years. Health conditions common in later life, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can be worsened by alcohol. Medications for these conditions can interact dangerously with drinking or other substances. The risk of falls increases significantly when substances affect balance and judgment.

Taking an honest look at your use

Assessing your own substance use takes courage and honesty. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you drink most days of the week?
• Have you increased how much you drink over the past few years?
• Do you ever drink to cope with loneliness, anxiety, or sleep problems?
• Have you had falls, memory lapses, or injuries that might be related to drinking?
• Does your drinking concern people who care about you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a problem, but it does mean a conversation with a healthcare provider may be valuable.

Where to get help

The good news is that treatment works well for older adults, often better than for younger age groups. Many people find that later in life, they’re more motivated to make changes and have accumulated wisdom that helps them succeed.

Start with your primary care doctor. They can assess how alcohol or medications might be interacting with your health conditions and other prescriptions. Many people find relief in simply having an honest conversation with their doctor, who can adjust pain management strategies or suggest alternatives for sleep problems.

Your local Area Agency on Aging can connect you with counseling services, support groups, and other resources specifically designed for older adults. Find yours at eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116.

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery have meetings specifically for older adults in many communities, as well as online options if transportation is difficult.

Medicare and Medicaid cover substance use disorder treatment, including counseling and medication-assisted treatment. If you have private insurance, check your benefits for behavioral health coverage.

Recognizing that you might need to change your relationship with substances is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many older adults successfully address these concerns and find that life becomes richer, not more restricted. Reviewing your relationship with alcohol could lead you on a healthier, happier path in the new year.