A clinical review of alcohol, alcoholism, and the elderly patient.

Alcohol intake can precipitate problems, especially confusion, in nonalcoholic older individuals suffering from medical disorders. Alcoholism is seen in 15% or more of older patients presenting to psychiatrists with psychopathology ranging from depression to acute psychotic states. The older alcoholic rarely fits the stereotype of alcoholism, tends to report stable early life adjustment, presents with restricted areas of alcohol-related pathology, and is likely to drink only 5-6 days a week, with an intake of 4-5 drinks per occasion. Effective treatment of alcoholism in the elderly includes education, pressure from significant others, and assistance to help the individual readjust to a life without alcohol. This treatment resembles techniques used with the younger alcoholic, with modifications to take cognizance of the special medical and social needs of older patients.