Some people drink heavily for years. Others develop a drinking problem later when trying to adjust to significant changes in their lives. Warning signs include:

• Hiding or lying about drinking
   
• Having more than seven drinks a week
   
• Getting hurt or hurting others when drinking

Where to Get Help

• Ask your doctor
   
• Talk to a trained substance abuse counselor
   
• Find a support group for older people with alcohol problems
   
• Check out a 12 step program like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Ways to cut back or stop drinking

• Keep track of how much you drink each day
   
• Plan days that are free of alcohol each week
   
• Don’t have more than one alcoholic drink in an hour
   
• Make sure you eat when drinking
   
• Develop interests that don’t involve alcohol
   
• Learn to say “no thanks” when offered an alcoholic drink
   

Don’t let alcohol abuse or misuse take a toll on you or your loved one. Older adults should have the opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest.

The information on this page is taken from “Age Page: Alcohol Use in Older People,” National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2009.