Over 50 and Almost Alcoholic

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking among seniors age 50 and older is on the rise. In fact, seniors make up the segment of the population for whom drinking has been increasing most. In one survey of seniors, 15 percent of senior men and 12 percent of senior women stated that they drank more than the limit recommended by the NIAAA on a daily basis. In doing so they put their health at risk. Why? Because as we age our bodies metabolize alcohol more slowly, meaning that alcohol (a toxic agent) remains in our bodies longer. There, it can exacerbate medical conditions such as hypertension, memory loss, diabetes, and neurological problems, all of which are more common among older adults. And drinking in excess of even a single glass of wine a day can increase the risk of cancer.

What Is An "Almost" Alcoholic?

Almost alcoholics fall in the "gray zone" that occupies the fairly large space that separates normal social drinking from drinking that would qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence (alcoholism). Some people's drinking will place them fairly deeply into the almost alcoholic zone, whereas others may have only recently ventured there. That space is depicted in the following diagram:

Almost alcoholic drinking, especially among seniors, is most often defined by the following circumstances:

• Looking forward to drinking.
• Drinking alone.
• Drinking to relieve stress (due to chronic illness, financial difficulties, etc.)
• Drinking to relieve boredom or loneliness.
• Drinking to relieve physical symptoms (pain, insomnia).

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