Onset of alcohol drinking and alcohol use disorder in the eighth decade of life: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the geriatric population is often missed although the prevalence ranges from 1.1% to 4.1%. However, the first drink in the eighth decade of life is rare. Here we report a patient who started drinking at 72 years of age and developed dependence within a year. Case description: Mr P. was referred for alcohol dependence treatment from the Department of Surgery, diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypertension. He was 74 years old and had started drinking alcohol (whiskey) only in the last 2 years due to boredom. He also had suffered from postural and action tremors for the last 30 years, which decreased on drinking. Initially starting with 30 mg of alcohol once in a month due to peer pressure, he quickly developed tolerance within 1 year, requiring 60 mg Streszczenie