For people older than 65, the effects of alcohol may be worsened by medications. Even if a person is not taking any medications, experts suggest that older adults limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day. 

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1 1/2 ounces of hard liquor.

On its Web site, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, features a one-hour video presentation, "Rethinking the Demographics of Addiction: Helping Older Adults Find Recovery."

The video is at www.recoverymonth.gov/2004/multimedia/w.aspx?ID=252. It includes a discussion by a panel of experts as well as an older woman who discusses her drinking problem.

The agency also offers a free brochure, "Aging, Medicine and Alcohol," available by calling (800) 729-6686, and asking for Publication No. MSMA 023619.

The brochure lists warning signs of alcohol abuse, which include memory trouble after having a drink or taking medicine; loss of coordination; changes in sleeping habits; failing to bathe; irritability; sadness; depression; difficulty staying in touch with friends or family; having trouble finishing sentences; and finding it hard to concentrate.

Those who think they might have a drinking problem should talk to their doctor and be specific about concerns, said Dr. Alison A. Moore at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The physician will most likely administer the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test, a measure developed specifically for older adults. Answering "yes" to at least two questions may indicate a problem.