7. Substance Use
Substance abuse is not often thought of as an issue of concern for older adults, yet according to a national study by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, abuse of alcohol and legal drugs among older adults is 17 percent. Alcohol was the most frequently reported cause for substance abuse treatment admissions for individuals aged 65 or older. In Texas, only four percent of respondents reported having ever attended a meeting or self-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or receiving education, treatment, or counseling for the use of alcohol or any drug (not counting cigarettes).
Alcohol Consumption
About a third (32 percent in 2004, 34 percent in 2008) of respondents reported drinking at least one alcoholic beverage (e.g., one can of beer, glass or wine, shot glass of hard
liquor) in the past 30 days. In both years, 12 percent of respondents reporting drinking less than one day a week. A smaller number of participants reported drinking every day.
Table 7.1 Frequency of Alcohol Consumption
| "In the past 30 days, about how often did you drink any alcoholic beverages..." |
Percent of respondents 2004 |
Percent of respondents 2008 |
| Not in last 30 days |
68% |
66% |
| Less than once a week |
12% |
12% |
| Once or twice a week |
8% |
8% |
| Three or four a week |
4% |
4% |
| More than four a week |
2% |
2% |
| Daily |
6% |
8% |
| Total |
100% |
100% |
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Updated:
April 11, 2012
