It’s Never Too Late to Quit: How Statistics Prove Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol is Always Possible

Fifteen years ago, a landmark study showed that older patients with advanced liver disease had a much better prognosis when they quit drinking. Sadly, most cirrhosis patients die before they get a chance to give it up. More recent research has verified those claims, but it leaves many wondering why, when they know it will help them live longer and healthier, do people not stop drinking?

Of course, it’s much easier said than done. Alcohol use disorder is a difficult and painful road, and recovery can be a long journey with many setbacks. Some older individuals who have been drinking for most of their lives believe it’s too late for them to quit, but that simply isn’t true. It’s never too late to stop drinking alcohol, and the science backs that up. Here, we’ll explore why some people feel they can’t or shouldn’t quit and then dive into the research and statistics that disprove the myth.

The Myth of "Too Late": Busting the Misconception

Substance use disorder (SUD) involves addiction to or dependence on any legal or illicit substance that produces mind-altering effects. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a subset of SUD, and even though it often goes unreported for older adults, it is still a serious issue. Recent research shows that 2.7 million adults 65+ face AUD, and a shocking 38% of all alcohol-related deaths are within that age group.

This may be because older adults have experienced age-related loneliness due to empty nest syndrome, peers passing, or moving into independent or assisted living communities away from loved ones. Elevated alcohol consumption is one method of coping with aging, change, and uncertainty.

In addition to this, alcohol impacts older bodies more significantly than those who are younger. Aging adults have slower metabolism, which inhibits the speed at which their bodies process alcohol. They may also have a higher risk of falls, impaired cognitive ability, decreased liver function, and other health issues related to aging that make alcohol a problematic choice.

However, older people may also experience harsher effects of alcohol withdrawal, which may make them more reluctant to quit. They may also feel hopeless or too ashamed to ask for help. Fortunately, we know that quitting at any age positively impacts a person’s physical and mental health, no matter their age.

What Do the Numbers Say? Statistics That Prove Recovery is Always Possible

There are plenty of statistics on substance use disorder, but are there any that show that alcohol dependence can be effectively treated later in life? Luckily, there are.

Risk Factors of Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults

Statistics on Aging and Alcohol Use Disorder

Recovery and Aging Statistics

Why It's Never Too Late: The Science of the Brain and Recovery

Wondering what happens to your body when you stop drinking? We can tell you that while the initial stages are difficult, the result is overwhelmingly positive. The same is true of your brain. If you’ve never heard of neuroplasticity, it’s the brain’s ability to change and adapt based on external factors and environments. Essentially, neuroplasticity is how we learn.

Neuroplasticity is not confined to the young, though. Our brains continue to learn and evolve throughout our lives, even into our geriatric years. Heavy drinking can impair the brain’s neuroplasticity and hinder it from adapting.

However, the brain is resilient, even in our golden years. It’s made of billions of neurons that collect information and communicate with one another. High alcohol intake can impact the ways these neurons talk to each other, leading them to misfire. But neuroplasticity means that those connections between neurons can often be repaired and strengthened over time.

The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Benefits of Quitting — No Matter How Late You Start

There is no expiration date or due date on your recovery. No matter when you quit drinking alcohol, you will feel the impact on your health, your mental state, and your emotional well-being.

Physical Benefits

The detox period can be physically challenging, but once you get through it, you’ll start to notice positive life changes, including:

Mental Health

While withdrawal symptoms can leave you feeling in a brain fog early in your recovery, you’ll soon see that your mental health rebounds. Look out for these signs:

Quality of Life for Older Quitters

Remember the neuroplasticity we talked about? Your brain can actually begin reversing some of the damage done by alcohol in as little as two weeks. While detoxing is difficult and recovery is an ongoing process, you can begin to see changes in a matter of days after quitting alcohol. That means the quality of your life is only going to improve.

Your relationships will strengthen, your health will get a boost, and your future will be brighter. All because you took the hardest step of all and realized that you needed help.

How To Start Your Own Journey — Whenever You're Ready

The effects of alcohol on older adults can have serious and long-lasting health problems, but recovery isn’t just possible — it’s likely, when you take the necessary steps.

Admit the Problem

Most older adults with AUD have either no awareness or no ability to admit that they struggle with alcohol addiction. If you are older and a heavy drinker, either drinking on a daily basis or more than four standard drinks in a week, you may need to examine your drinking habits. The people in your life want to help and support you, so let them know you’re thinking of stopping drinking so they can be there for you.

Be Ready for Setbacks

Nearly all recovering people with AUD or SUD will relapse at least once, and it’s totally normal. You can overcome it and continue on your recovery journey. This is when it helps to have a strong support system, whether that’s family members, friends, or a peer support group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Believe in Yourself

Recovery from alcohol dependence is possible at any age, and the benefits make it worth the effort. But you have to believe you can do it. Celebrate every milestone along the way, and be sure to lean on your support system when you feel like you can’t continue.

Seek Professional Help

Support groups are incredibly valuable, but older people often need a variety of treatment options from qualified healthcare professionals. Because older adults may have medically complex or severe cases, the detox and withdrawal period is critical, and — like quitting stronger substances — isn’t something you can DIY.

Look into treatment programs that understand the needs of elderly patients and have experience in older adult recovery.

Caron Can Help — At Any Stage of Your Journey

Truly, it’s never too late to quit alcohol, especially when you have a partner who understands and can walk beside you on your journey. Caron can be that partner for you. We have a dedicated older adult program designed to meet your specific needs and concerns with evidence-based care and peers who are at your level.

From medically-assisted detox to family support designed to guide loved ones in supporting you during your recovery, Caron is here to show you that the best time to quit is always now. Contact us and know that it’s not too late to take your life back.