[Acute alcoholic intoxication in subjects over 75 years of age: a clinical situation far to be uncommon].

Abstract

Acute ethylic intoxication (AEI) or alcoholic drunkenness is not only a youth-specific disorder. It also occurs at advanced ages of life. Diagnosis is not easy, at times made in excess, but more often underestimated, then leading to the negligence of a risk situation and suffering. AEI represents about 3% of all hospitalizations. In 2005, 973 alcohol tests taken at the hospital of Mâcon (France) were positive. The rates ranged from 0.10 g/L to 6.26 g/L (m = 2.06 +/- 1,18). 41 subjects were aged over 75 (5%). The alcohol rates found were lower after 75 years (1.34 +/- 1.1 g/L) than before 75 years (2.11 +/- 2,1; p<0,001). Subjects were referred to the Emergency unit for a fall in 61% of the cases, and dizziness in 34%. Among the aged subjects, 30% received external care and 70% were hospitalized. According to the DSM-IV, misuse of alcohol was found in 87% of subjects (abuse in 67%, addiction in 20%) and temperance in 13%. Drinking alcohol is not a pathology in itself. However, if it causes suffering or has negative consequences on health or lifestyle, care is required. Aging doesn't change anything to this reality. AEI, in truth, requires even more specific care and attention, in the elders.