Alcohol Abuse Among the Elderly Essay

alcoholic beverage abuse among the elderly is a far-flung problem through the joined States. It is unexpressed to disc over by physicians and medical providers, because some(prenominal) of these people have been abusing alcohol on the Q.T. for years. The population is extremely unlikely to hold that they have problems with alcohol, especi totallyy during a daily health c be visit. As many an(prenominal) as 15% of the population over 65 may be hard drinkers, although this number is hard to pin down. time-worn people usually drink payable to depression, loneliness and lack of mixer support. nearly alcohol abuse comes from a sprightliness history whereas others develop alky potable patterns later in life. Alcoholism accounts for much than 15% of health consider cost in the elderly. It is associated with an estimated 100,000 deaths per year in the United States. Alcohol consumption can heighten both benefits and risks. In terms of benefits, work force who drink two to six alcoholic beverages per week have decreased mortality rate rates and lower cardiovascular unsoundness when compared with abstainers.On the negative side, two studies of 300,000 men demonstrated increased mortality among those overwhelming more than 2 to 3 drinks daily. Women, are more affected by less(prenominal) alcohol than men, perhaps because they have a lower blood volume, and so its distribution and decreased activity for stomachal alcohol dehydrogenase are increased. The primary care physician plays an important role in making the diagnosis and in service of process the one-time(a) alcoholic receive correct medical and psychological care.As patients arouse older, and develop conditions that require prescription and over the counter medications, opportunities for dangerous alcohol/ drug interactions increase. Elderly patients should be encouraged to observe their alcohol intake so that it does non conflict with their medications. When a problem is identified, bring by counseling patients and the family. Increased social support may be all that is needed to stop excessive alcohol consumption by some older patients. Reference Butler, Robert (June, 1998) Alcoholism and the later years. geriatrics pg. 1-2.