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Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)

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Alcoholism and the Elderly

Roughly 6 percent of senior citizens can be classified as heavy drinkers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse defines heavy drinking in people age 65 and over as consuming more than 1 alcoholic drink per day.

This is because the body's volume of retained water and lean body mass progressively decline as age advances. Fat storage also increases resulting in elevated blood-alcohol levels that have a severe impact on mental and physical functions compared to that of younger drinkers who consume the same amount.

It has been observed that heavy consumption does begin to decline after age 65. This could be due to health problems or medications that limit the use of alcohol, limited disposable income, and larger ratios of females to males within the elderly population (women, on average, drink less often than men). Additionally, the life expectancy of a person with alcoholism is severely reduced, and many long-time chronic drinkers never make it to their golden years.

The Canyon offers an idyllic setting to recoup from the effects of alcohol dependency and addiction. Medical doctors assist with controlled detox while experienced counselors help you sort through the myriad of emotions and stresses involved with growing older. Gourmet organic meals contribute to your overall sense of well-being while your body adjusts to living without the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.

What Are the Warning Signs of Alcoholism in the Elderly?

Elderly patients who have already retired and/or have limited social interactions may be overlooked when it comes to considering the typical warning signs associated with alcoholism: isolation from friends or family, and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Fortunately, these are not the only indications that something may be amiss. Consider:

• Depression or anxiety
• High blood pressure (especially if unresponsive to medications)
• Confusion, memory loss, confabulations
• Frequent falls/lack of strength
• Shakes or twitches
• Difficulty with motor or muscle control (including incontinence)
• Gastritis - painful burning sensations in the stomach (sometimes accompanied by belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding)

Early-Onset vs. Late-Onset Alcoholism Among the Elderly

Approximately 2/3 of all elder alcoholics started abusing alcohol much earlier in life. Early-onset alcoholics are more likely to have a family history of alcoholism and display increased antisocial behavior (aggression and hostility towards others). Social and economic standing have usually deteriorated, and family ties may have long been severed. Alcoholics in this group who have managed to stay alive are almost destined to become incapacitated from the combination of chronic alcohol toxicity and old age.

The additional 1/3 of elder alcoholics began abusing alcohol later in life, sometimes as a result of life-changing events such as an "empty nest," retirement, or bereavement. Education and income is found to be higher among this group, as is family support and involvement. Interestingly, residents of retirement communities who continue to pursue active social lives have been found to use alcohol and drink more heavily than those who are less social.

Health Risks Associated with Alcoholism in the Elderly

• Drug interactions - reduced absorption/rapid metabolism
• Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies (malnutrition)
• Low blood protein (hypoalbyminemia)
• Elevated liver enzymes (indicates hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis)
• Generalized swelling (edema)
• Co-occurring drug use/contracting HIV
• Sudden dizzy or fainting spells when standing or sitting up (orthostatic hypotension)
• Muscular weakness, cramps, stiffness, and spasms (myopathy)
• Peripheral nervous system damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• Hip fractures - a combined result from impaired gait, balance, and osteoporosis
• Restlessness, disturbed sleep, insomnia
• Deterioration of brain mass and function (cerebral atrophy/ cognitive impairment)
• Irregular heartbeat (dysrhythmia)
• Diseased heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
• Reduced blood supply to the heart (ischemic heart disease)
• Suppressed immune system/increased infections
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Reactivated tuberculosis
• Cancers - head, neck, esophagus, liver

Treatment for Alcoholism at The Canyon

Denial is a hallmark of this deadly disease at any age. Shame, stigma, and apprehension may disturb many seniors who are offered the option of drug rehabilitation. At The Canyon, treatment progresses only when you're ready - you are in complete control.

Short-lived benzodiazepines can be used to manage alcohol-withdrawal symptoms, vitamin supplements such as thiamine aid in recovery from malnutrition, and electrolyte enhancements restore hydration, muscle, and nerve function. Mediation, yoga, equine therapies, group and individual counseling sessions are all available to help you reduce your dependency and cravings for alcohol.

Whether you've been abusing alcohol for several months, several years, or almost a lifetime, The Canyon at Peace Park is one of the most relaxing ways to start living the rest of your life drug-free.

Articles on Alcoholism

• Alcohol as a Gateway Drug
• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and How it Can Affect You
• Alcohol Street Names and Nicknames
• Alcoholism and the Elderly
• Alcoholism and Women
• Hypoglycemia in the Alcoholic
• Caffeine & Alcohol = A Bad Combination
• Homeless to Hollywood to Help
• Why Alcohol Can Affect People Differently
• Alcoholism and the Mental Effects