Alcohol abuse among the elderly is a frequent occurrence especially in age 60 and older that frequently goes without being diagnosed. For instance, if a relative has ever been known to have a few drinks at family occasions, it might go unchecked the person is drinking more as they age. The loss of a lifelong partner or partner may also bring on a change in drinking patterns.

Dependence

Perhaps it starts with a drink before bedtime, but contributes to the dependence on many drinks simply to get through the day. Based on reports by SAMHSA, of the complete number of elderly with alcohol misuse, roughly two-thirds struggle with the ramifications of early onset alcoholism and the rest of the one-third developed abuse later in life. Since metabolic rates change to a slower rate for a person ages; alcohol will remain in an older individual longer that may result not just in falls and fractures but also in a higher risk for organ damage, immune system disorders, certain types of cancers and brain damage.

Moreover, most seniors take drugs for chronic health conditions like cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, heart ailments and obesity – conditions that are worsened by alcohol misuse. The truth is many health issues are difficult for physicians to treat since they’re camouflaged by alcoholism. These signs could be confused for other medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or some kind of mental illness, which makes it difficult to diagnose and issue therapy.

Be aware!

Mixing drugs and alcohol whether they are over-the-counter or prescription drugs can be fatal. For instance, consuming alcohol as well as taking acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) can lead to liver damage, even liver failure. Older persons on an aspirin regimen should talk about their alcohol use with their physician as it can increase intestinal or stomach bleeding.

Anti-depressants and sleeping aids together with alcohol may result in increased symptoms and unintentional overdose. It’s not uncommon for older adults to have participated in alcohol misuse for thirty-plus decades, but it’s never too late to stop. Elderly patients who would like to stop their alcohol abuse are advised to seek medical assistance from their physician or via a medical detox center. Before the detox, it might be necessary for certain tests to be performed to check for organ damage or other health issues. A health detox can help to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure especially from withdrawal symptoms.