Functioning, life context, and help‐seeking among late‐onset problem drinkers: comparisons with nonproblem and early‐onset problem drinkers

Abstract

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.