ABSTRACT
Until a few years ago, drinking problems among the elderly were neglected. The accepted view was that the elderly do not drink alcohol. However, alcohol consumption at risk level can be assumed in 10 to 20% of men over the age of 60 years and in 5 to 10% of women. Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence is known in 2 to 3% of males and 0.5 to 1% of women over the age of 60 years. This chapter focuses on those special diagnostic and therapeutic problems that might occur when treating alcohol abuse and dependence in patients of more advanced age.
