The Hidden Epidemic
Alcoholism is a progressive and lethal disease that affects up to 10% of people over the age of sixty. It has typically been under estimated, under identified, under diagnosed, and under treated in our country and world wide.
Today, we are seeing an alarming increase in the numbers of seniors being recognized as alcoholic. This increase is in part attributable to our longer life expectancy, the aging of our population, and a greater recognition of alcoholism among our senior citizens.
“Alcohol abuse in the elderly is an Invisible or Hidden Epidemic. It is often mistaken for other conditions associated with the aging process, particularly depression. As part of routine care, it is recommended that health care providers discuss alcohol use with their older patients.
Family members should become as familiar with the drinking habits of Great Uncle Harry or Grandma Jane as they are with their medical conditions. They need to be aware that over the counter drugs, prescription medications, and herbal remedies in seniors can be dangerous, or even fatal, when mixed with alcohol.
There are many elders that alcohol has robbed of hope, dignity, and the ability to cope. With treatment, the alcoholic has an opportunity to develop a satisfying way of life free from alcohol and become happily and usefully whole.”
Hello,
I attended one of your zoom meeting on a Sunday evening a few months ago. I think it was in Arizona…or close to that state.
I was a little taken aback because I though “anonymous “ meant I could listen in and not participate or be seen.
I understood that the meeting organizer needed to see me online just to be sure I wasn’t pretending or something.
But, then, the “tag-type-speaker-format ” had a previous speaker call on me “the lady from Texas” to share next.
Oh, my goodness, I wasn’t ready to share. I’m still drinking. I have no wisdom to help others, at this time. I just wanted to listen anonymously and see if it would help me. Interestingly, that meeting was about forgiveness and the very next day, I made a major breakthrough in physically going and forgiving someone.
That meeting helped me a lot but I haven’t joined again because I, at this point don’t have any wisdom, I just want to listen and possibly find strength. Maybe, someday, I’ll have the wisdom.
Is it possible for me to join, truly anonymously and just listen?
You have my email address and you’ll see that I did visually attend and speak a few months ago. I’m not a scammer or whatever they are called.
Thank you
Is there a zoom meeting or another format of meeting for Seniors that don’t have a Seniors meeting by them? I thought I saw that referenced somwhere.
Will there be a 2020 International Seniors in Sobriety Conference? The Conference page has not been updated.
Thanks for your question.
The SIS Steering Committee voted to hold the conference every other year – in respect for the AA World Service International Conference coming up in Detroit from July 2-5 this year.
The Planning Committee for our 2021 International Conference in October 2021 in San Diego has been formed and a flyer and other materials will be posted on the SIS website as they become available.
Check the menu tab under “Conferences” for information.
In Love and Service,
Colin M. – web servant
Thanks for your response, Alan. For what its worth, we use Elder rather than Elderly, which, I have been told is more appropriate for some reason. I will include your email with our current list so you will get them as we send them out. As of now there is no “branch” or committee among our SIS effort, but I do know that there are a number of CEC Committees as the Area level in California and some mention of CEC at the General Service Office in NY. I will keep you in mind as we continue to organize SIS and encourage planning committees for upcoming conferences.
In Love and Service,
Colin
Thanks, Titia. Please ignore my last. It was intended for another commentor. You are on the mailing list, but if you want more direct contact with the conference, watch for new pages on the website with contact information for the 2019 Conference organizers. I am expecting a report of their activities very soon and will post it on the website.
In Love and Service,
Colin