AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-346719

346719 - Article 19

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The document is a detailed presentation by Dr. David Best on alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other common addictions in the elderly, conducted during the 2024 AOCOPM Midyear Educational Conference. Dr. Best outlines his experience and credentials, which include various roles in medical services and board certifications in family and addiction medicine. The presentation focuses on reviewing common addictions, the mortality and morbidity risks associated with alcohol, and screening and treatment for AUD.<br /><br />Key statistics highlighted include: tobacco causing over 8 million deaths globally each year, alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. totaling 140,000 annually, and a significant number of overdose deaths related to drugs like cocaine. Dr. Best draws comparisons between alcohol and tobacco industries in terms of their societal impacts and notes the effectiveness of anti-tobacco initiatives in reducing smoking rates.<br /><br />Important aspects covered include the definitions of excessive alcohol use, which encompasses binge drinking, heavy drinking, and alcohol use in pregnant women and individuals under 21. Dr. Best discusses physiological, chronic, and immediate health effects of alcohol, such as increased cancer risk, heart and liver diseases, dependence development, and implications specific to the elderly, like increased falls and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.<br /><br />The document mentions treatment options for AUD, emphasizing pharmacotherapies like naltrexone, gabapentin, and topiramate, alongside behavioral interventions and patient tracking of drinking habits. It also discusses screening tools like CAGE and AUDIT-10 and presents a case study of a 73-year-old female patient dealing with AUD, highlighting treatment steps and progress.<br /><br />Finally, Dr. Best underscores the importance of addressing alcohol use as part of routine patient visits and employing comprehensive screening and treatment strategies to manage AUD effectively. The presentation ends with a nod to the Serenity Prayer, reflecting the therapeutic approach to addiction management.

Keywords

alcohol use disorder

elderly addictions

AOCOPM conference

Dr. David Best

mortality risks

treatment options

screening tools

pharmacotherapies

CAGE and AUDIT-10

Serenity Prayer