Dr. Bharat Udey
Geriatrician
Hello,
As per the above discussions and the presentation of this person, few things I would suggest:
1. Drinking pattern should be assessed in detail- amount specially, is it progressively increasing over last few years.
2. Explore for any withdrawal symptoms: as in the begging person drinks for pleasure later on he drinks to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
3. Have he tried to quit alcohol in past? If yes was it without medications or with medications? For how long he was sober? Why did he resorted back to his drinking behaviour?
4. At present is he motivated enough to quit alcohol? How does he see his drinking behaviour - fir himself and his family? What steps will he take from his side to quit his drinking behaviour?
5. Discuss in detail the treatment modalities with patient and his family member- active involvement of patient should be encouraged. Along with this MET steps should be incorporated, he should be motivated to start with treatment by giving objective evidence of Benicia of quitting.
6. Pharmacotherapy - a. Detoxification should be done depending upon the severity of withdrawal symptoms if any. B. Maintainance therapy should be started once withdrawal symptoms are managed. MET should be done side by side.
7. One should be ready of lapse in between but don't lose faith on patient and always keep encouraging them. Keep a track of number of sober days for motivating them in every visit.
8. Besides, assess for other psychological disturbances : depression, anxiety, co-morbid substance abuse, medical co-morbidities and manage them actively.
19.Jul, 06:23pm