Alcohol Use Screening and Assessment for Older Adults

摘要: WHY: While as many 60% of older persons abstain from alcohol use, drinking problems are the largest category substance use in adults. Alcohol consumption is associated with high morbidity and mortality middle age adults without changes heavy habits, may persist or worsen adulthood. The vulnerability to effects alcohol, alone combination other drugs, plus frequent co-morbidities, increased for immediate long-term harm. National Institute Abuse Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends that 65 be limited 1 standard drink (12 ounces beer, 4-5 wine 11⁄2 distilled spirits) per day 7 drinks week no more than 3 on one occasion. However, estimated 57 million late middle-aged (50-64), 66% males 55% females drinking, 14% heavily. Specifically, 19% them “at risk” drinkers (drinking NIAAA recommendations) 23% report binge (consumption an occasion). These data portend increase related number increases (Blazer & Wu, 2009).