Many still believe this today, making it hard for older people to admit a need for help. There are different types of elderly alcoholics. Chronic or early-onset alcoholics have abused alcohol throughout their lives. Intermittent alcoholics have experienced periodic bouts with abuse during their lives. Late-onset alcoholics begin seriously abusing alcohol for the first time late in life, often the result of a life crisis such as loss of spouse, health problems or changes in living conditions.
Addiction is a disease which becomes worse over time.
Denial of the disease allows it to progress, often into other chronic illnesses. Rick started drinking to excess after the death of his wife. He had spent 17 years in the Navy on aircraft carriers and had a government pension. It all went to booze and drugs after I started drinking. Within no time at all I only knew the inside of boxcars and cardboard boxes.