Why Are Older Women at Higher Risk for Alcohol Misuse?

Physiological factors

Various physiological and psychosocial factors influence why older women may be at greater risk of over-consuming alcohol and face greater negative consequences. For instance, older women experience a natural decline in both lean body mass and total body water as they age, which causes alcohol to become more concentrated in their system when they drink.

On the psychosocial side, women tend to outlive men, which means older women are more likely to experience loneliness, isolation, and depression that can lead to drinking.‍

Psychosocial factors

We know that older, socially and financially secure women face addiction issues – just like anyone else can. Alcoholism is an ‘equal opportunity destroyer’. Alcohol does not care about age, gender, education, social standing, race, or morality.  We also know that older alcoholic women generally face very different issues than a 20-something year old street entrenched heroin or meth addict. Cookie cutter addiction treatment won’t work best for either of these two groups.

If alcohol becomes a problem

Getting help is key. Different terms may be used by different professionals and the extent of the developing drinking problem: alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism. Regardless of the extent of the problem, and the terminology, if alcohol is becoming, or is a problem, it never gets better on it's own. Asking for help is critical. The progression, and inevitable negative consequences can be arrested, regardless of where you may be on the continuum of developing alcoholism.

There are many advantages to attending a private alcohol, nicotine and other drug rehab that caters to woman over the age of 65. Specifically, travelling to another country, like Panama, can dramatically increase these advantages. Getting treatment outside of the United States or Canada means that government or medical agencies do not document your personal business.

Privacy vs secrecy

There is a world of difference between privacy and secrecy. Being in a foreign country ensures your confidentiality and privacy. When your privacy is at stake, a simple answer like, ‘I’m attending a holistic wellness retreat in Panama’ is honest, but maintains your privacy.

Respectful, individualize care

The small number of guests at Serenity Vista in Panama also ensures the individual care and attention, every woman needs. Programs of 45, 70 or 90 days means there is time for a woman to settle in, get to know recovery team and the leaders. Trust can take time.

There is then a fine balance between loving and nurturing care vs providing the emotional challenges that need to occur for a successful recovery. Serenity Vista is unparalleled for its ability to hold older woman in a way that is not coddling, nor abrasive.

Choose a new path to recovery

Like the lyrics in the Led Zeppelin song ‘Stairway to Heaven’,

Yes there are two paths you can go down, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on

Led Zeppelin

If you are facing the dead end of alcoholism, turn around onto the new path to recovery.