Question

methods and strategies of preventive excessive alcohol consumption among the elderly with resources?

Answer 1

According to National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

• 30 % of homicides
• 22% sucides
• 33% rta are due to alcohol abuse .

According to NIAAA high risk drinking is more than 14 standard drinks per week in men and more than 7 standard drinks per week in women .

Alcohol abuse can lead to severe damage in elderly compared to the young adults due to Physiological changes in elderly .Thus awareness among elder patients is necessary to reduce the complication.

Chronic alcoholism can lead to severe liver damage which leads to cirrhosis, hepatic failure finally it can also lead to other conditions like diabetes, spleenomegaly , portal hypertension, jaundice , hepatic encephalopathy, thymine deficiencies.  

METHODS AND STRATEGIES TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:

Understand the patient 's situation , their personal , social and family life . Get to know them well . Try to elicit what might  have lead to excessive alcohol intake for the patient .

If they have any issues in their personal life then psychiatric treatment is necessary

Help them understand the consequences of alcohol dependance . Be empathic and non judgmental.

Make them realize their purpose and motivate them for a change in life .

Their family members must be educated and the medications must be given properly . Family members must watch out for any worsening events in the patient and report it to the physician.  

Naltrexone and acamprosate are given according to guidelines of APA 2018 .

Drugs like disulfuram is 2nd line ,, will be given which will prevent alcohol take . If the patient suffers from other complications like depression or anxiety it must also be treated simultaneously with great care .

Involving patients in alcohol anonymous programmes will be of great use .

Patients with alcoholism have a poor diet intake , folate deficiency is common . Advise them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables . Supplements must be given to overcome the manifestations caused by liver damage if present .

Follow up of patient is necessary,, because some patients may go to relapse . If complete abstinence is maintained even cirrhosis will have a good prognosis.  

Educating the patient and family members is a must for a good prognosis of the treatment.