Case Study Analysis: Alcohol Use Disorder in Older Adulthood (Robert)

Janquilla Milton

Southern New Hampshire University

PSY 200

Amber Hinson

April 18, 2026

Case Study Analysis: Alcohol Use Disorder in Older Adulthood (Robert)

Introduction

Addiction is often misunderstood as something that affects younger individuals, but it can

develop or worsen at any stage of life, especially during major life transitions. In this case study,

Robert is a 66-year-old retired man whose alcohol use became increasingly problematic after

leaving the workforce. His situation highlights how changes such as retirement, shifts in family

dynamics, and possible emotional struggles can all contribute to substance misuse. What makes

Robert’s case important is that his addiction is not happening in isolation—it is affecting his

health, his marriage, and his relationship with his children and grandchildren. This paper will

provide a full analysis of Robert’s situation by discussing his background, assessment factors,

addiction type, treatment plan, and results. It will also explore how both physiological and

psychological effects of alcohol use play a role in his behavior, along with the impact his

addiction has on his family and overall life.

Client Information

Robert is a 66-year-old male who has been retired for the past four years. He has been

married to his wife, Colleen, for 44 years, and together they raised two daughters and now have
grandchildren. They have lived in the same home for 35 years, which shows that Robert has had

a long-term stable living environment and strong family connections. He is described as a

husband, father, grandfather, and friend, meaning that he plays multiple important roles in the

lives of others. However, despite these strong connections, his alcohol use has begun to create

distance between him and his loved ones.

Robert’s addiction is alcohol, which is classified as a substance use disorder. His drinking

became more noticeable and more frequent after his retirement. What may have started as casual

or social drinking gradually turned into a daily routine where he begins drinking in the late

morning after completing chores. Over time, this behavior increased and became more

consistent, leading to concern from multiple family members. His wife has expressed frustration

and emotional distance, and his daughter Harriet was the one who reached out for help, which

shows that his addiction has become serious enough to affect the entire family system. Even

though Robert still has his family and home, his behavior is beginning to damage those

relationships, putting him at risk of further loss if the situation continues.

Assessment

Robert’s method of substance use is oral consumption of alcohol, which is the most

common form of administration. Even though alcohol is socially accepted, frequent and

excessive use can have severe consequences, especially for older adults. His pattern of starting to

drink in the late morning suggests that alcohol has become a regular part of his daily routine

rather than an occasional activity. This indicates a level of dependence, as his day appears to be

structured around his drinking behavior.

In terms of environment, Robert spends most of his time at home due to retirement.

While his home itself is stable, the lack of structure in his daily life has contributed to his
increased alcohol use. Without a consistent routine or responsibilities, he has more idle time,

which can lead to boredom and increased substance use. Additionally, the emotional

environment in his home is strained. His wife avoids interacting with him when he is drinking,

and their communication has decreased significantly. This creates a cycle where emotional

distance leads to more drinking, and more drinking leads to greater emotional distance.

Robert does have a strong support system, as shown by the involvement of his wife,

daughters, siblings, and close friends in the intervention. However, this support is mixed with

frustration and concern. His daughter Harriet even set a firm boundary, stating that he would not

be allowed around his grandchildren if he refused treatment. This shows that while his family

cares deeply about him, they are also recognizing the need to protect themselves and others from

the effects of his addiction.

There is no clear evidence that Robert is influenced by peers who encourage substance

use. Instead, his addiction appears to be more internally driven, influenced by his life

circumstances rather than social pressure. Since he is retired, he is also not in a work

environment that either encourages or discourages his behavior. However, the absence of a work

environment contributes to the problem by removing structure and purpose from his daily life.

Robert’s philosophical stance toward his addiction appears to involve denial or

minimization. Despite being told by his doctor to stop drinking due to his health conditions, he

continues to drink regularly. This suggests that he may not fully accept the seriousness of his

addiction. His motivation level for seeking help initially appears low, as he did not take action on

his own. However, during the intervention, he agrees to attend treatment, showing that external

motivation from family played a significant role in his decision. There are also signs of possible

hopelessness or depression, especially in his withdrawal from communication and increased

recovery.

Addiction Information

Robert is experiencing alcohol use disorder, which is a substance addiction characterized

by difficulty controlling alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. His addiction

developed gradually over time, particularly after his retirement. Before retiring, he likely had a

structured routine and responsibilities that limited his drinking. After retirement, the increase in

free time, combined with possible emotional challenges, led to more frequent alcohol use. Over

time, this behavior became habitual and eventually developed into dependence.

The impact of Robert’s addiction is seen across multiple areas of his life. On an

individual level, his physical health is at risk due to his existing conditions, including diabetes

and prostate concerns. Alcohol use can worsen these conditions and interfere with medical

treatment. Psychologically, he may be experiencing depression, emotional withdrawal, and

reduced motivation, all of which are commonly associated with substance use disorders.

On a family level, his addiction has created significant strain. His marriage has been

affected, with reduced communication and emotional distance. His daughters are concerned, and

his relationship with his grandchildren is at risk due to boundaries set by his family. While he has

not yet lost his family or home, the current situation shows that those losses could happen if the

behavior continues.

Physiologically, alcohol affects the brain by slowing down central nervous system

functioning, which impacts judgment, coordination, and decision-making. Long-term use can

also damage organs and worsen chronic health conditions. Psychologically, alcohol affects

Robert’s behavior by reinforcing avoidance and emotional withdrawal. It allows him to

dependence and decreased emotional well-being. These combined effects show how addiction

impacts both the body and the mind, making it more difficult for the individual to stop without

help.

Treatment

The treatment plan for Robert includes a residential treatment program, which is

appropriate given the severity of his condition and the impact it has on his life. A residential

program provides a structured environment where he can focus entirely on recovery without the

distractions or triggers present in his home environment. This level of care also allows for

medical supervision, which is important considering his age and health conditions.

I agree with the counselor’s choice of treatment because Robert’s addiction has

progressed beyond what could likely be managed through outpatient care alone. He needs a

structured setting to help him break the pattern of daily drinking and begin developing healthier

coping strategies. Among the different treatment models, the multi-causal model would be the

most effective for Robert. This is because his addiction is influenced by a combination of

biological factors (health issues), psychological factors (possible depression), environmental

factors (retirement and lack of structure), and social factors (family dynamics).

A relapse prevention plan is also essential for Robert’s long-term recovery. This plan

should include ongoing individual therapy, group therapy, and participation in support meetings

such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Family therapy would also be beneficial in helping rebuild

communication and trust within his household. His family members may benefit from attending

Al-Anon to better understand addiction and learn how to support him without enabling his

behavior.
 Additional support strategies could include aftercare programs, regular medical

monitoring, and creating a structured daily routine. Activities such as volunteering or engaging

in hobbies could help Robert regain a sense of purpose and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

These efforts would not only improve his individual well-being but also strengthen his family

relationships and contribute to a healthier environment overall.

Results

The results of this case show that the intervention was successful. Robert responded

positively by agreeing to attend treatment immediately, which is a significant step in the

recovery process. He did not resist or leave during the intervention, which suggests that the

approach used by his family and the counselor was effective. While there is no detailed

information provided about whether he relapsed after treatment, his willingness to accept help

and the strong support system around him increase his chances of long-term recovery. The

outcome also shows how powerful family involvement and structured intervention can be in

motivating someone to seek help.

Conclusion

Robert’s case demonstrates how alcohol use disorder can develop later in life due to

major life changes such as retirement, emotional struggles, and lack of routine. His addiction has

affected his health, his marriage, and his relationships with his family, but the successful

intervention gave him an opportunity to begin recovery. This case highlights the importance of

addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, as well as the role of family

support in the recovery process. With the right treatment, structure, and ongoing support, Robert

has the potential to rebuild his life and strengthen his relationships.

References
 Intervention Solutions. (n.d.). Case study 1.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2021). Alcohol use

disorder.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020).

Treatment improvement protocols.