O impacto do uso abusivo do álcool em idosos e suas repercussões no contexto familiar

Abstract

Aging is seen as one of the major health problems among the elderly, worsening when there is use of some kind of illegal or licit drug, abusive use of alcohol in relation to the elderly is seen as an 'invisible epidemic' by the public health, as it generates great problems in the family environment leading to conflicts, tensions, disruptions, besides financial problems and clinical and psychopathological diseases. Objective: To discuss the causes and consequences of alcohol abuse in the elderly. Method: Integrative review of a descriptive character, in the Portuguese language with publications in the period from 2004 to 2015, available in electronic databases such as Google Scholar Sientific Eletronic Library Online(SCIELO), Virtual Health Library(VHL) and Electronic Journals of Cheers. Results: Based on the evaluation of the data, the impact caused by the use of alcohol affects not only the family, but also all society and intensifies when it refers to the alcoholic individual and their relatives, causing several problems such as: unemployment, violence, physical and mental complications, damage to the family, traffic insecurity, among other impacts, and alcohol dependence increases the risk for family disorders, has negative consequences for the health and quality of life of the elderly, increasing the risk of morbidities that lead to death or functional limitations such as violence and mental disorders. Final Considerations: In order to conclude the study, it is important that the family live with the elderly person at home, bringing positive and negative points between family relationships, the high rate of alcohol abusers is a concern because it interferes in family dynamics as a consequence lack of dialogue with this is seen a panorama of the current issues of old age, as fundamental elements in society.