Alcohol Misuse in Older Women: A Scoping Review of Correlates, Consequences, Treatment, and Prevention Cathryn Glanton Holzhauer,1 Madeleine Stein,2,3 Rachel Rosen,4 Hannah Grigorian,5 Marissa Iverson,6 and Elizabeth E. Epstein2

https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/volume/46/1/alcohol-misuse-older-women-scoping-review-correlates-consequences-treatment-prevention?utm_source=arcr-email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=epstein-2026-05&utm_content=arcr-listserv Alcohol use and misuse among women age 50 and older have increased substantially in recent years. A new Alcohol Research: Current Reviews article provides a comprehensive overview of biological, psychological, and social factors that may influence women’s alcohol use. It also reviews potential consequences of alcohol use and misuse in older women, such as effects on cancer risk, other health outcomes, and cognitive functioning. Additionally, the article discusses the unique treatment needs of older women with alcohol misuse and highlights preventive strategies aimed at increasing awareness of drinking-related risks and personal vulnerability factors.