Final answer:
Older adults may suffer from long-term alcoholism due to loneliness and the lack of social activities, which can lead to social isolation and depression. Chronic exposure to alcohol can lead to dependency due to the adaptions in the brain's reward circuitry. The correct answer is option: a) Loneliness and lack of social activities
Step-by-step explanation:
Many older adults suffer from long-term alcoholism due to a variety of factors. Among these factors, loneliness and lack of social activities often play a significant role. As people age, they may lose connections with their social networks due to retirement, the death of peers, or mobility issues. The lack of social engagement can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, which they might attempt to mitigate through increased alcohol consumption. Furthermore, medications that interact negatively with alcohol can exacerbate the problem, as older adults often take multiple prescriptions that can have adverse interactions with alcohol.
There is also an increased risk of cognitive impairment and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease among the elderly, which could affect their judgment when it comes to alcohol use. The combination of these social and psychological challenges, along with physical health issues and possible genetic predispositions, could lead to a higher risk of alcoholism in older adults.
It is important to remember that alcohol is a depressant, and although it may initially help to create an atmosphere of relaxed conviviality, chronic exposure leads to tolerance and dependency. The effects of alcohol withdrawal can be severe, contributing to continued use to avoid discomfort. These changes highlight the delicate balance required for managing alcohol consumption in later life.