Combatting Ageism and Stigma in the Assessment of Alcohol Use Disorder among Older Adults: The Need for Routine Screening in Primary and Emergency Care

Abstract

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) remains overlooked and undiagnosed among the world’s growing older adult population. An estimated 10 to 15% of older adults in primary care and 30% of older adults in emergency care meet criteria for AUD, but less than 10% ever diagnosed or offered treatment.