Although seniors represent greater risk for substance abuse, they are seriously underrepresented in treatment programs; for a number of reasons as senior alcohol treatment is as important as the treatment for other age groups.
Seniors self report feeling shame and guilt for abuse behaviors, and will very rarely initiate treatment on their own. They are also less likely to get noticed for their alcohol drinking problem and less likely to have problems with work or the law; basically, they generally drink in the home, and in secret places where no one notice them or catch them.
Family is also often reluctant to intervene in the drinking habits of the adults or say seniors. Too many otherwise concerned and caring family members do not intervene even when the reality of a problem is clear to all of them thinking that it could hurt their seniors and loved ones. Many people mistakenly believe that they do a kindness by allowing seniors their "comfort" of intoxication and they forget that they themselves allowing their seniors to follow a life threatening path where their life could be a hell instead of comfort zone. They may also feel embarrassment or may be unsure about treatment options at such a late stage in life for seniors.
The reality is by not intervening you rob them of a chance for a better life as the seniors are also a part of our growing society. You actually by agreeing or by not stopping them are letting them to a shortened lifespan, to greater health problems, to greater cognitive impairments and to more psychiatric distress. Allowing someone to continue with drug or alcohol abuse is never a kindness.