Alcohol
Substance abuse is not uncommon in the senior population. It is merely overlooked. Unfortunately, the problem is becoming more widespread, and it is predicted that in 2020 alone, the number of elderly individuals with a substance abuse problem is going to reach 5 million.
If drinking alcohol is one of your pastimes, then it may be time to consider drinking in moderation. Try to limit your drinking to a single glass of wine a day for women or two glasses for men. Keep in mind that age can make you less tolerant to the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol can be dangerous for the elderly because of a decrease in hepatic blood flow, decreased body water, poor kidney and liver function, which allows alcohol to affect the brain more quickly. In fact, many medical departments estimate that seniors suffering from confusion, falls, and cardiac problems are suffering from alcohol addiction.
