Talking to elders about drinking can be difficult because the topic is controversial in medical literature. You can easily find research that supports that a very conservative amount of alcohol is best for elders, and you can also find literature that supports the notion that drinking on the average of one or two drinks per day can actually be good for those over 65. Either way, here are two undisputed impacts of alcohol that can matter if you are worried that an elder may have a drinking problem.
One Mixer for Alcohol Should Not Be Medications
One of the reasons alcohol can cause problems in older folks is because it doesn't combine well with many commonly prescribed medications. Many elders take as many as 10 to 12 pills per day. Find out what medications are on that list and consider these risks as a place to begin conversation:
1. Alcohol doesn't sit well with antibiotics. In some cases, the combination may cause gastrointestinal problems, stomach problems (nausea and vomiting), headache or even seizures.
2. Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, in combination with alcohol can increase risks of bleeding.
3. Antidepressants, diabetic medications, anti-seizure medications or sleeping pills taken with alcohol can either increase or decrease the effect of the medications.
4. Antihistamines and some cardiac medications can cause drowsiness, even dizziness or fainting. Alcohol can exacerbate these side effects.
5. Alcohol can increase the effects of pain medications--even the risk of overdosing. Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin or acetaminophen can cause bleeding or liver damage if combined with alcohol.
Generally, it's the liver you need to worry about. The liver secretes enzymes that may compete with or exaggerate the effects of medications when combined with alcohol.
The Effects of Alcohol Can Change an Elder Person's Life
Not everyone who drinks has a problem. However, because alcohol slows thinking and alters other abilities such as coordination and judgment, it can pose special threats to elderly who want to remain in their own homes. About 14 percent of emergency room admissions among elders are related to alcohol use. And a large percentage of these patients end up being admitted to the hospital. Hospitalizations always pose the threat of a later change in the place considered safe for an elder to live. If an elder wants to remain home, responsible drinking can be a key to a successful discussion about drinking in moderation.
There are many resources available to help you if you need to discuss drinking with an elder. Starting with your doctor, you can also check with Alcoholics Anonymous for helpful advice.
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