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Published on: June 23, 2023
Alcohol use among older adults
Kristen H Sorocco1, Sean W Ferrell
1University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA. kristen-sorocco@ouhsc.edu
The Journal of General Psychology
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Older adults face an "invisible epidemic" of alcohol use problems. This review covers prevalence, screening tools like the CAGE questionnaire, and effective psychological treatments for seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol use problems in older adults are a growing concern, often overlooked.
- The aging population necessitates a renewed focus on alcohol consumption patterns in seniors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of alcohol use in adults over 60.
- To discuss prevalence, assessment best practices, and psychological treatment interventions for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on alcohol use in the over-60 age group.
- Identification of recommended screening assessments and age-appropriate psychological treatments.
Main Results:
- Recommended screening tools include CAGE, MAST-G, ARPS, and AUDIT.
- Effective psychological interventions include brief interventions, family therapy, motivational counseling, and CBT.
- Barriers to assessment and treatment in older adults were also examined.
Conclusions:
- Addressing alcohol use in older adults requires tailored screening and treatment approaches.
- Recognizing and overcoming barriers is crucial for effective intervention in this population.
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