alcohol abuse
alcohol abuse
Alcohol abuse occurs when there is a deep-seated, compulsive craving for alcohol. It is not as common a problem in the elderly as it is in younger age groups; however, about one-fourth of older alcoholics began their excessive drinking after age 60, usually because of the various stresses associated with aging.
Like alcoholics of all ages the elderly rarely admit to themselves or to their physician that they have a drinking problem. Yet their consumption may be significant. Alcoholism is a common problem among the aged admitted to hospitals as mentally ill. The majority of these patients have been alcoholics for many years.
Alcohol abuse may occur in response to loneliness, grief over the loss of a spouse or friend, a recent social decline, tension between the elderly and their children or perhaps a forced change in residence. It can also be the product of a life-long habit. Within a few minutes of ingestion, alcohol reaches the brain where it first depresses those functions that have to do with inhibition and judgment. The drinker may feel friendlier and more gregarious. But with increased consumption, some drinkers suffer radical mood changes, from euphoria to self-pity, for example. Some may have personality changes and become aggressive or cruel. Motor ability, muscle function, reaction time, eyesight, depth perception, and night vision are affected next. A combination of headache, stomach upset, and dehydration is also a common side-effect.
Alcohol permeates easily into every cell and organ of the body. Thus, its effects are wide-ranging and complicated. The primary damage is to the liver, the organ that breaks down alcohol in the body. The central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and the heart suffer severe damage as well. Other effects of alcohol abuse include sluggish circulation, malnutrition, water retention, weakening of both bones and muscles, skin disorders including permanent dilation of the blood vessels near the skin's surface, and decreased resistance to infection. These functions, already impaired by the natural aging process, are further complicated by alcoholism. Alcoholics who continue to drink decrease their life expectancy by 10 to 15 years.
Treatment for alcohol abuse varies depending on the type of abuser. Some may need hospitalization or care in a rehabilitation facility. Others may abstain with outpatient counseling and psychotherapy. The underlying cause, when known, should be addressed. Alcoholics Anonymous continues to be the primary source for information and support for family members as well as for the alcoholic.
See also DRUG ABUSE.
O'Brien, R., and Chafetz, M. The Encyclopedia of Alcoholism. New York: Facts On File, 1991.
Steinberg, F. U. Care of the Geriatric Patient, 6th ed. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co, 1983.
Alcohol abuse occurs when there is a deep-seated, compulsive craving for alcohol. It is not as common a problem in the elderly as it is in younger age groups; however, about one-fourth of older alcoholics began their excessive drinking after age 60, usually because of the various stresses associated with aging.
Like alcoholics of all ages the elderly rarely admit to themselves or to their physician that they have a drinking problem. Yet their consumption may be significant. Alcoholism is a common problem among the aged admitted to hospitals as mentally ill. The majority of these patients have been alcoholics for many years.
Alcohol abuse may occur in response to loneliness, grief over the loss of a spouse or friend, a recent social decline, tension between the elderly and their children or perhaps a forced change in residence. It can also be the product of a life-long habit. Within a few minutes of ingestion, alcohol reaches the brain where it first depresses those functions that have to do with inhibition and judgment. The drinker may feel friendlier and more gregarious. But with increased consumption, some drinkers suffer radical mood changes, from euphoria to self-pity, for example. Some may have personality changes and become aggressive or cruel. Motor ability, muscle function, reaction time, eyesight, depth perception, and night vision are affected next. A combination of headache, stomach upset, and dehydration is also a common side-effect.
Alcohol permeates easily into every cell and organ of the body. Thus, its effects are wide-ranging and complicated. The primary damage is to the liver, the organ that breaks down alcohol in the body. The central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and the heart suffer severe damage as well. Other effects of alcohol abuse include sluggish circulation, malnutrition, water retention, weakening of both bones and muscles, skin disorders including permanent dilation of the blood vessels near the skin's surface, and decreased resistance to infection. These functions, already impaired by the natural aging process, are further complicated by alcoholism. Alcoholics who continue to drink decrease their life expectancy by 10 to 15 years.
Treatment for alcohol abuse varies depending on the type of abuser. Some may need hospitalization or care in a rehabilitation facility. Others may abstain with outpatient counseling and psychotherapy. The underlying cause, when known, should be addressed. Alcoholics Anonymous continues to be the primary source for information and support for family members as well as for the alcoholic.
See also DRUG ABUSE.
O'Brien, R., and Chafetz, M. The Encyclopedia of Alcoholism. New York: Facts On File, 1991.
Steinberg, F. U. Care of the Geriatric Patient, 6th ed. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co, 1983.
< PREVIOUS PAGE > <NEXT PAGE >
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home