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For many seniors, those nightly cocktails may be getting out of hand.
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Monday, July 01, 2002
For many seniors, those nightly cocktails on the patio may be getting out of hand.
After all, retirees have plenty of time on their hands.
A sip here a sip there - maybe even some refreshment in the storage compartment of the golf cart - and the next thing you know, you've got a problem. "It's been called the hidden epidemic," said Dr. Michael Levy, director of the only private medical practice for addictive diseases in Las Vegas.
"It's much more pervasive than anyone realizes."
The disease may go unnoticed, since symptoms can be hidden by ordinary signs of aging.
"Retirement may leave many older adults feeling increasingly bored and lonely. Many retirees experience a decrease in income, self-worth and structure after leaving the work force. The loss of loved ones and independence may also increase the likelihood of alcohol abuse."
A quarter of Levy's patients are seniors with drug or alcohol problems. And by the time they come to him, they're in real trouble.
Part of the problem is that seniors suffer greater complications from drug and alcohol abuse than younger people, often at lower levels of abuse. They also metabolize alcohol more slowly.
Increased consumption of alcohol can worsen conditions such as depression, weakened immunity, liver diseases and high blood pressure.
There are also greater chances of falling, delirium and dementia.
"Sometimes they misinterpret alcoholism as Alzheimer's or dementia." Levy said.
"Having lived active, vital lives, they lose the reason for maintaining that lifestyle. It's a tremendous waste of talent."
And, often, alcohol abuse by itself is not the only problem.
"Drug interactions are very common," he said. "Many people are overmedicated.
"Mixing alcohol and medicines or even herbs can be dangerous. If they have a sleeping problem, there's a higher risk for falls or a confused state."
The doctor said there has been greater emphasis in dealing with the problem over the past 10 years. Progress has been made in diagnosing and treating older patients.
The treatment is tailored to the patient's needs, taking into account age, any impairments and existing health problems.
"With older patients, treatment for withdrawal must be supervised by a doctor," he said. "Most senior patients are detoxified in a hospital setting, as coexisting medical problems may require monitoring."
Levy's office is next to the Montevista Hospital, which treats patients for addictions.
He said the treatment is voluntary and patients come to him on referrals from other physicians or family members.
"They want help. They want to get off it . That's half the battle," he said.
"There is no coercion. I'm not here to tell people how to live their lives."
Once a patient is detoxed, a long-term plan is worked out for abstinence, including ways to fill voids left by work, family and alcohol. It also entails creating new interests and joining social groups.
"While alcohol abuse has grown, the good news is that seniors are more likely to complete treatment programs and have better recovery outcomes than younger drinkers."
Levy runs the Center of Addiction Medicine at 6000 W. Rochelle,, which offers a full range of medical and therapeutic services.
The doctor said some people have a mistaken view of alcohol abuse as a social stigma.
"Denial is one of the symptoms," he said.
"It's a medical disorder. It's not a weakness. It's not a crime."