Alcohol use among the elderly: Issues and considerations

Abstract

Alcohol use typically begins in the adolescence and peaks over the adulthood. However, its abuse is not as uncommon among the elderly though it tends to be under.recognized. Certain age.related physiologic, biologic, and psychosocial issues pose unique challenges in the diagnosis as well as management of alcohol use disorders in the elderly. Indian studies. .. specifically focusing on elderly substance users. .. are few. Screening should be a crucial component during clinical encounters with elderly populations across a variety of settings. Depending on the extent, nature and pattern of use, the elderly persons may need less intensive, brief interventions to more intensive inpatient care for safety concerns. Emphasis should always be on age.specific treatments delivered by trained personnel using nonconfrontational approaches.

Keywords

• Alcohol
• elderly
• substance use