Abstract
As the baby boomer generation ages, the problem of substance abuse continues to grow among older adults in America. Older women remain one of the most vulnerable among those affected by substance misuse, abuse, and addiction, yet this population remains misunderstood, stigmatized, and overlooked. Unique life changes experienced by older women contribute to the difficulty in identification of substance misuse and abuse within this population. Such experiences include loss of loved ones, loneliness, physiological changes, financial stress, pain management, and other co-occurring mental and physical health conditions. Alcohol remains one of the most prevalent and relevant substances older women use to cope with these changes. This chapter explores the major issues surrounding alcohol abuse among older women by defining the problem, identifying key risk factors, signs, and symptoms, outlining useful screening and treatment tools, and providing implications for future research on this critical yet overlooked issue.
Keywords: Alcohol abuse, Coping, Older women, Substance abuse.
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