Late versus Early Onset Problem Drinking in Older Men

Abstract

Age at onset of problem drinking was studied in 132 older men (age 60 years and older) admitted to a VA geriatric alcoholism outpatient treatment program. Demographics, alcohol history, self reported psychological status, special treatment, and treatment compliance variables were tested for association with onset age. Late onset (defined as onset of the first alcohol problem at or after age 60) was not uncommon, occurring in 15% of the sample (29% of patients age 65 or older). Compared to earlier onset cases, late onset alcohol problems were milder and more circumscribed, and were associated with less family alcoholism and greater psychological stability. Late onset patients were also more compliant with outpatient treatment requirements; however, treatment program variables were better predictors of compliance than onset age.

Alcohol use disorders in elderly people: fact or fiction?

“…Some studies have suggested that, among men, genetics might play a greater part in early than in lateonset alcohol misuse (Atkinson et al, 1990). Studies of older people in the USA have provided strong evidence that drinking behaviour throughout the lifespan is greatly influenced by genetic factors (Atkinson, 1984;Heller & McClearn, 1995).…”

“…Elderly people who fall into the earlyonset category have had a lifelong pattern of problem drinking and have probably been alcoholics for most of their lives (Menninger, 2002). American studies suggest that this category comprises two thirds of elderly alcoholics (Gulino & Kadin, 1986;Atkinson et al, 1990). Typically, there is a family history of alcoholism and these individuals had drinking problems in their early 20s or 30s.…”

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

“…Still, these reviews are often based on studies with small sample sizes and which lack statistical power rather than on empirical evidence (see Atkinson, Tolson, & Turner, 1990;Blose, 1978;Fink, Hays, Moore, & Beck, 1996;Liberto & Oslin, 1995).…”

“…One subgroup among older adults with AUD and heavy use are those individuals who have experienced onset of alcohol problems after the age of 50 (late-onset) (see Atkinson et al, 1990;Watson et al, 1997). In a small correlational study with 60 participants, Adams and Waskel (1991b) found that as many as 11% (n = 7 of 60) of all older adults with AUD had experienced a late onset (50+) of their problem.…”

“…More often than early-onset AUD, later onset abusers seem to be referred to treatment by court order (i.e., for drink driving; Atkinson et al, 1990). According to Watson et al (1997) and Christopherson, Escher, and Bainton (1984), late-onset AUD seems to be associated with fewer socially unacceptable symptoms than does early-onset AUD.…”