Is Alcoholism a Problem of the Elderly?

Alcoholism is a problem that effects over 5.6 per cent of our population. It can be said that the desire to alter reality is probably one of the oldest persistent, and acceptable of human needs. Given the right circumstances the mood-changing and stress relieving qualities of alcohol seem warranted. The old, lonely, on a fixed income, frightened, bored and alone have the right circumstance for abusing alcohol. Recent evidence has shown that an alarming number of elderly are becoming dependent on alcohol. Programs to intercept the disease of alcoholism are mounting. Public education is needed to make individuals aware of this growing crisis in our society.