Identifying Risk Factors for Late-Onset (50+) Alcohol Use Disorder and Heavy Drinking: A Systematic Review

Scandinavian Caring Sciences

2017

Self Cite

Introduction This is a pioneering qualitative phenomenological hermeneutical study investigating a so far under‐investigated group of older adults with very late‐onset alcohol use disorder. The number of older adults is increasing, and the number of older adults with alcohol problems is increasing accordingly. We investigated older adults with very late‐onset alcohol use disorder to identify what causes some people to develop problems with alcohol after the age of 60. Method We interviewed 12 Danish individuals (seven men) whose alcohol use disorder started after the age of 60. For our analysis, we used the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework, rigorously following the six steps it prescribes. Participants were included until data saturation was achieved. Findings After a lifelong unproblematic (at times heavy) use of alcohol, it seemed that using alcohol as a coping strategy was one of the main factors in very late‐onset alcohol use disorder among our participants. We found that the participants experienced a marked loss of identity when they had no activities to fill up their time after retirement. Social activities involving alcohol were also closely related to very late‐onset alcohol use disorder. Conclusion Loss of identity, coping with physical and psychological problems, an overarching societal and social culture surrounding alcohol and the interrelationship between social life, alcohol use and heavy drinking are important factors that need be addressed clinically and preventively, and specifically for individuals experiencing very late‐onset alcohol use disorder.

“…Research on the reasons why some people develop ADU very late in life is scarce (3), and the few studies available draw different, even opposing, conclusions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, interest in alcohol problems among the elderly is increasing, especially as statistics suggests that this population will be growing in the coming decades (1)(2)(3)(4)(5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why do some older adults start drinking excessively late in life? Results from an Interpretative Phenomenological Study

Scandinavian Caring Sciences

2017

Self Cite

“…Others have experienced a very late onset of their alcohol use disorder (VLO AUD), i.e., after the age of 60 years (Wetterling, Veltrup, John, & Driessen, 2003). While there is some literature on "late onset" of AUD, often defined by an age criterion of 45 years, VLO AUD is an understudied field (Emiliussen, Nielsen, & Andersen, 2017). We hardly know anything about the profiles of those who present with VLO AUD, or what they aim for in treatment.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

What do elderly problem drinkers aim for? Choice of goal for treatment among elderly treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent patients

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

et al. 2019

Self Cite

Objective: The patient’s free choice of treatment goals for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is predictive for treatment outcome. Presently there is limited knowledge of whether the age at onset of AUD influences the choice of goal for treatment. The present study investigates whether there are differences in choice of treatment goal between patients with very late onset alcohol use disorder (VLO AUD ≥ 60 years) and those having early or mid-age onset of AUD (EMO AUD < 60 years). Method: Participants were 341 persons, voluntarily enrolled in the Elderly Study, who were seeking treatment for AUD in outpatient centres for alcohol treatment in Denmark. Data regarding thoughts about abstinence, alcohol use in the last 90 days, motivation for treatment and psychiatric diagnosis were collected via questionnaires. A logistics regression was used to analyse the data. Results: 32.1% of the participants with VLO AUD chose temporary abstinence goals, compared to 18.2% of the patients with earlier-onset AUD ( p = 0.024). Further, 10.7% of participants with VLO AUD chose total abstinence goals compared to 31.3% of participants with early or mid-age onset AUD ( p = 0.002). Conclusion: There are significant differences in choice of goal between participants with very late onset AUD and early or mid-age onset AUD. Individuals with very late onset alcohol use disorder tend to choose temporary abstinence over any other treatment goal whereas, in general, individuals with early onset alcohol use disorder choose permanent abstinence over other treatment goals.

“…As has been found by several studies, the number of older adults is increasing and is predicted to continue to do so in the coming decades. As the number of older adults is predictive of the amount of older adults with alcohol use disorders, it is expected that the number of older adults with alcohol problems will increase accordingly (Bjork, Vinther-Larsen, & Thygesen, 2006;Blazer & Wu, 2009;Emiliussen, Nielsen, & Andersen, 2016;Hvidtfeldt, Vinther-Larsen, Bjork, Thygesen, & Grønbaek, 2006a, 2006b. This is already evident in Denmark.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In general very little research has been done on this subgroup ( Atkinson, Tolson, & Turner, 1990 ; Emiliussen et al, 2016 ; Fink, Hays, Moore, & Beck, 1996 ; Wetterling et al, 2003 ). To be able to develop effective preventive measures and treatment for this specific subgroup, further investigation is vital ( Bailis, Segall, & Chipperfield, 2010 ; Schonfeld & Dupree, 1991 ; Share, McCrady, & Epstein, 2004 ; Wetterling et al, 2003 ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

How do family pressure, health and ambivalence factor into entering alcohol treatment? Experiences of people aged 60 and older with alcohol use disorder

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

2017

Self Cite

Aim: This qualitative study is concerned with the motivations that lead older adults to enter treatment for alcohol problems. There is a need to expand our understanding of the unique characteristics and problems of this population to be able to devise specialised and effective treatments and preventive measures. Method: We conducted an analysis of secondary findings from interview data collected in a qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study. Our participants were 12 elderly people aged 60 years or more who had experienced late-onset alcohol use disorder. Transcription, categorisation, collapsing and analysis were conducted rigorously in accordance with the IPA standards. Findings: Family can function as a pressure structure in terms of fostering motivation for treatment.