When does drinking become a problem?
Although everyone is different, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that people over 65 have no more than 7 drinks a week and no more than 1 to 2 drinks in a single day. Do you have a health problem? Are you taking certain medications? You may need to drink less or stop drinking altogether. Talk to your doctor.
Some individuals have been heavy drinkers for many years. But over time, the same amount of alcohol produces a more powerful effect. Other individuals develop a drinking problem later in life. Sometimes this is the result of major life changes, such as the death of dear friends or a loved one, moving to a new home, or having health problems. These types of changes can cause loneliness, boredom, anxiety, or depression. In fact, depression in older adults often goes hand-in-hand with drinking too much.
- One drink is equivalent to one of the following
- One 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer, ale, or wine soda
- An 8- or 9-ounce can or bottle of malt liquor
- A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine
- A 1.5-ounce glass of distilled liquor such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka or whiskey. The label on the bottle will indicate an alcoholic strength of 80 or less
It is helpful to understand “standard” drink sizes so you can follow health guidelines. However, it is also important to keep in mind that drinks may be stronger than you think they are if true serving sizes are larger than standard sizes. Additionally, beverages within the same beverage category, such as beer, may contain different percentages of alcohol.
Not everyone who drinks every day has a drinking problem, and not everyone has to drink every day to be a problem drinker. You may want to get help if you, or a loved one, hide or lie about drinking, have more than seven drinks a week or more than two drinks in one day, or hurt yourself or others when baby.
There may be reasons to stop drinking
There can be many reasons to stop drinking. Check any reason that you think applies to you.
I would like to stop drinking because:
- I want to be healthy by keeping my high blood sugar (diabetes) under control.
- I want to reduce my blood pressure.
- I want my liver to continue functioning properly.
- I don't want to hurt anyone by driving after they've been drinking.
- I don't want to fall and get hurt.
- I'm tired of feeling sleepy or sick in the mornings after drinking.
- I want to enjoy the things I used to do.
- I want to stop feeling ashamed of the way I act when I drink.
Some people can reduce their alcohol consumption. Some people need to stop drinking completely. Making a change in your drinking habits can be difficult. Don't give up! If you don't reach your goal the first time, try again. Ask your family and friends for help. Talk to your doctor if you are having a hard time quitting drinking. Get the help you need.
You may also be interested in:
- Learn facts about how alcohol affects older adults
- Making sure your doctor's appointment is successful and how to talk about your concerns
- Learn about healthy eating for older people
For more information:
Alcoholics Anonymous
212-870-3400
www.aa.org/pages/es_ES
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
(National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
888-696-4222
niaaaweb-r@exchange.nih.gov
www.niaaa.nih.gov
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(Mental Health and Substance Abuse Administration)
877-726-4727
877-696-6775 (Spanish)
800-487-4889 (TTY)
samhsainfo@samhsa.hhs.gov
https://store.samhsa.gov/
https://store.samhsa.gov/?f[0]=language:ES