Functioning, life context, and help-seeking among late-onset problem drinkers: comparisons with nonproblem and early-onset problem drinkers.
We compared the functioning and life contexts of late-middle-aged adults classified as late-onset problem drinkers (n = 229), early-onset problem drinkers (n = 475), and nonproblem drinkers (n = 609). Compared with nonproblem drinkers, late-onset problem drinkers consumed more alcohol and functioned more poorly; they also reported more negative life events and chronic stressors, fewer social resources, and more use of avoidance coping. However, late-onset problem drinkers consumed less alcohol, had fewer drinking problems, functioned better, and had more benign life contexts than did early-onset problem drinkers. We found no evidence of an association between age-related loss events and the onset of late-life drinking problems. Very few problem drinkers sought help specifically for their alcohol abuse, but about 25% did seek treatment from mental health practitioners. Problem drinkers who were functioning more poorly and who reported more life stressors and fewer social resources were more likely to seek help.
Brennan
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PL
Social Ecology Laboratory, Stanford University, CA.
Moos
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RH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support