Negotiate for a period when alcohol use is at first moderated and then eliminated, but keep in mind that alcohol withdrawal must be carefully executed in the elderly. The serious symptoms associated with delirium tremens can be avoided by the use of medications specific for detoxification. Pacing and redirectional skills are very important during this intervention. Inform the patient and family about local resources for the elderly alcohol abuser and facilitate access to these services. Individual and societal attitudes that older persons are too old to change and recover need to be challenged on all fronts.
Alcohol use disorders in older adults.
American Psychiatric Association. Brink T, Yesavage J, Lum O et al. WB Saunders, pp 387-411. Fulop G, Reinhardt J, Strain JJ et al. NIH Publication No.