Alcoholism, a disease affecting millions worldwide, can have severe physical, mental, and social consequences. The question often arises: Do alcoholics get worse with age? Can the passage of time make the situation more challenging to handle or treat? Evoke Wellness at Miramar will address these questions by discussing the nature of alcohol use disorder, the potential progression of alcoholism with age, and the benefits of seeking alcohol addiction treatment.
Do Alcoholics Get Worse With Age?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not drinking. AUD can be diagnosed when a person’s drinking causes significant distress or harm to their life, such as problems with relationships, work, or health. AUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the number and intensity of symptoms experienced.
But do alcoholics get worse with age? Described as a progressive disease, alcoholism tends to worsen over time without appropriate intervention. Several factors contribute to the worsening of alcoholism with age:
- Tolerance – As a person drinks more frequently, their body develops a tolerance for alcohol, requiring higher amounts to achieve the desired effects. This increased consumption can exacerbate existing health issues or create new ones.
- Age-related physical changes – Aging bodies process alcohol differently, leading to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) with the same amount of alcohol consumed. This increased BAC makes older adults more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol, such as liver damage, cognitive decline and falls.
- Compounding health issues – Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to various health problems, including liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and certain cancers. As a person ages, these health issues can become more severe, creating a vicious cycle of worsening alcoholism and deteriorating health.
- Mental health – Alcohol abuse is often linked to depression and anxiety. As a person ages, these conditions may become more challenging to manage, contributing to worsening alcoholism.
- Social isolation – As people age, they may experience increased social isolation due to retirement, loss of friends, or the death of a spouse. This isolation can exacerbate alcoholism, as drinking may be a coping mechanism for loneliness and grief.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar is a top-tier rehabilitation facility offering evidence-based treatment programs for alcoholism and other substance use disorders. With a team of experienced and compassionate professionals, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
Treatment For Alcoholism
Seeking professional help for alcoholism is essential to break the cycle of addiction and prevent the condition from worsening over time. Treatment can offer various benefits, such as:
- Detoxification – The first step in treating alcoholism is detoxification, during which a person stops drinking, and their body clears alcohol from its system. Medical supervision during detox is crucial to managing withdrawal symptoms and ensuring a safe, effective process.
- Therapy – After detox, various therapeutic approaches can help individuals address the root causes of their alcoholism, build healthier coping mechanisms, and develop strategies to prevent relapse. Therapy may include individual counseling, group therapy, and family counseling.
- Medication – Medications may be prescribed to help manage withdrawal symptoms or reduce cravings for alcohol. These medications can play a vital role in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.
- Support networks – Building a strong support network is critical to maintaining long-term sobriety. Support groups provide a community of individuals who understand the challenges of alcoholism and can offer guidance and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
Seeking professional help from a reputable treatment facility like Evoke Wellness at Miramar is essential to break the cycle of addiction and prevent the progression of alcoholism.
Act Now to Prevent the Progression of Alcoholism at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
You deserve to live a fulfilling life free from the grip of addiction. Embrace the opportunity for lasting change and start your journey to sobriety now. Contact Evoke Wellness at Miramar today at 866.931.9312 or through our web portal to learn more.
