Who Becomes a Problem Drinker?
There are two types of problem drinkers–chronic and situational. Chronic abusers have been heavy drinkers for many years. Although many chronic abusers die by middle age, some live well into old age. Most older problem drinkers are in this group. Other people may develop a drinking problem late in life, often because of “situational” factors such as retirement, lowered income, failing health, loneliness, or the death of friends or loved ones. At first, having a drink brings relief, but later it can turn into a problem. How to Recognize a Drinking Problem Not everyone who drinks regularly has a drinking problem. You might want to get help if you: • Drink to calm your nerves, forget your worries, or reduce depression • Lose interest in food • Gulp your drinks down fast • Lie or try to hide your drinking habits • Drink alone more often • Hurt yourself, or someone else, while drinking • Were drunk more than three or four times last year • Need more alcohol to get “high” • Feel irritable,
