Alcohol abuse and alcoholism in younger people tends to get a lot of attention and rightfully so, abuse of alcohol at a young age can cause problems for years to come, from health issue to relationship issues, alcohol abuse and alcoholism can be devastating. This is also true for older people and alcoholism and alcohol abuse. In observance of Alcohol Awareness Month the BES Group / Solutions Plus has put together a list facts of the effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism on older people from the National Institute on Aging’s website.
Drinking too much alcohol over a long time can:
Lead to some kinds of cancer, liver damage, immune system disorders, and brain damage.
Worsen some health conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and ulcers.
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.
Getting Help
Talk to a trained counselor who knows about alcohol problems in older people
Find a support group for older people with alcohol problems.
Check out a 12-step program, like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), that offers support to people who want to stop drinking.
Locate an individual, family, or group therapy that works best for you.
Take time to plan ahead.
Here are some things you can do:
Develop interests that don’t involve alcohol.
Avoid people, places, and times of day that may trigger your drinking.
Plan what you will do if you have an urge to drink.
Learn to say “no, thanks” when you’re offered an alcoholic drink.
Remember to stay healthy for the fun things in life—birth of a grandchild, a long hoped for trip, or a holiday party.
We Are Here To Help
If you are concerned that you, a family member or a friend may have a problem with alcohol abuse or alcoholism please contact the BES Group / Solutions Plus today, we are here to help. Whether it’s getting help for substance abuse, or getting help alcoholism or alcohol abuse is the first step to having a productive and healthy life. Call the BES Group / Solutions Plus today at 1-855-708-5483.