Alcoholism and other drug dependencies

The disease of addiction is upon us and it is obvious that the elderly are not immune. There is every reason to believe from early reports that the elderly respond favorably to treatment, perhaps more so than their younger counterparts. It is believed that treating chemical dependency as a primary disease rather than as a symptom of something else has been a great boon in terms of improving recovery rates. Furthermore, group therapy is the main component of treatment in rehabilitation, as it affords the greatest opportunity to shift the dependence on chemical to a dependence on human beings. The physician is in a key position to help the elderly, because so many elderly need and use medical care. Intervention is highly recommended if the doctor is knowledgeable and skilled in this area and is willing to kindly confront the patient with a somewhat undesirable diagnosis. Rehabilitation regimens are becoming more plentiful throughout the country. If services are unavailable, however, there is always AA to fall back on or to recommend initially. Remember, fully one third of all AA members are older than 50 and that it is a source of acceptance, support, and an opportunity to depend on human beings instead of psychoactive chemicals. Remember too that few patients with addiction recover by themselves. It is worth remembering that this is an incurable disease in that once addicted, it is unlikely that anyone can ever use socially psychoactive chemical substances again. Use of psychoactive chemicals is fraught with danger for the physician and the patient and indeed may place the physician at risk for malpractice. There is great satisfaction to be gained from helping those afflicted with alcoholism and other drug dependencies. The gratitude displayed by those receiving help for this affliction is truly remarkable and one that will leave the clinician with a sense of "a job well done."