One thing that can be helpful, especially if these are true alcoholics who are in withdrawal or postacute withdrawal, is to have a snack that is high in carbohydrates and protein during those times. There is something about sugar and especially a little bit of chocolate that can calm cravings, so it stands to reason that if cravings (or the subconscious message of cravings) are causing the agitation, then maybe some hot chocolate and graham crackers or something similar would help. I would also look into keeping some AA literature in house. At my prior facility we actually considered starting an AA group, but logistically were unable to do so. We did work with the local intergroup to arrange transportation for folks who were interested.
Check out your local AA intergroup...it should be in the phone book. They can give you a little more information if that's a direction you want to go in. Holly Sox ----- Original Message ----- From: "Echo Bristol" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 6:09 PM Subject: Alcohol induced dementia > I'm sorry this is not MDS related but we were recently having a discussion > at our facility and was asked to pose this question to the group.... > > First of all, a little background. We have notice an increase in the number > or admissions with alcohol related issues, such as dementia or being on an > antianxiety med for DT's following their hospitalization. The issues we are > running into is noticing an increase in agitation, behavior problems, etc. > in the afternoon and evening. Now this could be related to sundowning but > knowing their history we are also wondering if this was the time, these > individuals went to the bar and consumed alcohol. Just wondering if there > is any experts out there in this field and if any research has been done to > find what the best approach for activities, etc is during these periods of > agitation. I've been told that we will probably see an increase in people > with alcohol related problems as the current population ages. We are just > running into a brick wall trying to find out info on the issue and thought > maybe one of you has run across this issue as well. > > Any info would be helpful....or if you could head me in the right direction > for finding some info, I'd appreciate it :o) . > > Thanks so much! > > > > > /---------------------------------------------------------- > The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the > American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators > "Committed to the Assessment Professional" > Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your > questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. > For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org > -----------------------------------------------------------/ > /---------------------------------------------------------- The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators "Committed to the Assessment Professional" Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org -----------------------------------------------------------/
