Older Families and Issues of Alcohol Misuse

Abstract

Summary This article addresses some of the recent information that has been collected on the issues of alcohol misuse in later stages of the life span. It discusses the risks to both long-term alcoholics who have grown old with their drinking problem and the issues facing those persons for whom the risks of alcohol become apparent in later life. Three cases are included to illustrate the different consequences of alcoholism in the family as it impacts on separate members and generations within the family system. Authors discuss some principles of intervention and prevention that can and should be applied by different mental health and health practitioners that work with older persons and their family groups.