title: Antecedents of drinking for early- and late-onset elderly alcohol abusers.
abstract: The present study compared antecedents to recent drinking for two groups of elderly alcohol abusers admitted for treatment. Twenty-three early-onset alcohol abusers were matched with 23 late-onset alcohol abusers according to age and sex. Depression, loneliness and lack of social support were the most frequently reported antecedents to preadmission drinking behavior for both groups. However, early-onset subjects were more likely to have changed residence, were intoxicated more often and experienced more severe levels of depression and anxiety. Late-onset subjects had greater life satisfaction and motivation for treatment, but were rated by collaterals as having more severe alcohol problems. Early-onset subjects were more likely to drop out of treatment. Treatment implications for age-related commonalities are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Aging & Mental Health, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa 33612.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schonfeld
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Dupree
mesh_terms: D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers