AOCOPM 2024 Midyear Educational Conference-X - Alcohol Use Disorder and Other Common Addictions in the Elderly

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Video Summary

Dr. David Best, a specialist in family and addiction medicine, has played a pivotal role in treating substance use disorders in Northern Michigan since 2005. With a solid background in family medicine and a certification in addiction medicine, Dr. Best has been instrumental in addressing the opioid crisis and other addiction-related issues. His talk focused on alcohol use disorder and other common addictions in the elderly, elaborating on the significant health risks and societal impacts of substance abuse.<br /><br />Dr. Best highlighted the stark health statistics: tobacco use still accounts for approximately half a million deaths annually in the United States, alcohol contributes to about 140,000 deaths, and opioid overdoses are a massive concern, with fentanyl escalating the crisis. He emphasized the chronic health effects of alcohol, particularly its role in increasing cancer risk and potentially causing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome through chronic misuse.<br /><br />A comprehensive look at screening methods like the CAGE questionnaire and DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing alcohol use disorder showcased how critical early detection and intervention are. Dr. Best advocates for the use of medications such as naltrexone, gabapentin, and topiramate to manage alcohol use disorder while integrating strategies from the World Health Organization's "Empower" initiative to combat smoking and alcohol dependency.<br /><br />Real-life case studies brought depth to Dr. Best's talk, providing examples of integrating pharmaceutical treatments with behavioral interventions to achieve improved patient outcomes. His emphasis on patient-centered care and tailored treatment options underscores the need for personalized addiction treatment strategies.

Keywords

Dr. David Best

addiction medicine

substance use disorders

opioid crisis

alcohol use disorder

elderly addictions

CAGE questionnaire

DSM-5 criteria

naltrexone

personalized treatment