Abstract
Substance use disorders in the elderly have been termed the “hidden addiction.” While alcohol misuse and abuse is less visible in older persons than in younger ones, it is nevertheless a problem. In addition, people age 65 and older represent about 17% of the population and are the fastest growing segment of our society.1 It is estimated that 10% of the population age 65 years and older are alcoholics and 50% of the hospital admissions for this age group are related to alcohol.2 An analysis of nationwide Medicare billing data indicates that elderly people are hospitalized more often for alcohol-related problems than for heart attacks.3 Addiction experts say that 15% of Americans over the age of 65 will develop alcohol problems when they retire or when their spouses die.4 Widowers over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk for alcoholism.5 With the advancement of the “baby boomers’ into their elder years, health professionals will see more elderly patients with drug- and alcohol-related problems.