The misuse of alcohol affects every demographic and cultural sector of our society. Often times, one of the most overlooked categories of individuals are older and elderly adults. As many as 1 in 6 Americans, age 60 and older, are dependent on alcohol.

The Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) characterizes this substance abuse as "under-estimated, under-identified, under-diagnosed and under-treated."

If you, or a loved one, believe that there may be a problem with alcohol abuse, please participate in a screening. Screenings to determine risks associated with alcohol use is extremely important for this age group. Individuals and caretakers are encouraged to discuss levels of alcohol consumption with health care providers or use a free online screening tool at www.AlcoholScreening.org. SAMHSA provides an online treatment locator at www.FindTreatment.SAMHSA.gov. 

Read Drug-Free Action Alliance's Press Release: Older Adults are Inder-Diagnosed for Alcohol Abuse

Additional Helpful Links for More Information

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov

Center for Science in the Public Interest

http://www.cspinet.org

American Medical Association

http://ama-assn.org

Alcoholics Anonymous

http://www.aa.org

American Geriatrics Society

http://www.americangeriatrics.org/products/positionpapers/alcohol.shtml