CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Overview
2. Recognizing Alcohol Misuse and Abuse in Older Adults
3. Alcohol and Aging
4. Diagnosing Alcohol Problems in Older Adults
5. Recognizing Other Forms of Substance Abuse
6. Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies
7. Treatment
8. Outcomes and Cost Issues in Alcohol Treatment for Older Adults
9. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Resources

At Any Age, It Does Matter:
Substance Abuse and Older Adults (for Professionals)

Blood Alcohol Levels and Behaviors at Various Levels

Blood alcohol level (BAL) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood. BAL is calculated using the weight of alcohol (milligrams) and the volume of blood (deciliter). This yields a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that can be expressed as a percentage (e.g., .10 percent alcohol by volume) or as a proportion (e.g., 100 mg/dL). For example, a BAC of .08 percent means a concentration of 80 mg/dL.

In a healthy person, one standard drink raises the BAL about 20 mg/dL. (One standard drink=12 oz. beer, 5 oz. table wine, 1½ oz. 80 proof liquor, or 4 oz. liqueur). The body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about 20 mg/hour.