Late-life depression and alcoholism
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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Frederic C Blow1, Alisha M Serras, Kristen Lawton Barry
1University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, 4250 Plymouth Road, Campus Box 5765, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700, USA. fredblow@umich.edu
Abstract:
The relationship between alcohol use and later-life depression is complex. At-risk and problem drinking elevates the risk of depressive symptoms. The co-occurrence of alcohol use disorders and depression increases the potential for poor mental and physical health outcomes in older adults. Many older adults who are experiencing problems related to alcohol use do not meet alcohol abuse/dependence criteria. Depressive symptoms among older adults often are overlooked or misdiagnosed. The role of at-risk and problem alcohol use in depressive symptoms and vice versa may be underestimated. After a review of the literature, clinical recommendations for addressing late-life alcohol misuse and depression are presented.
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