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My husband dr wants him to reduce his beer drinking from 8 to 2 per day. I've tried everything but all we do is fight what do I do .

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Buckeye, AZ

Diagnosed in May of this year

September 14, 2025
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone struggling to help her husband reduce his alcohol intake from eight beers daily to two as recommended by his... Read more

Members rallied around someone struggling to help her husband reduce his alcohol intake from eight beers daily to two as recommended by his doctor, with many sharing that their own partners had been heavy drinkers before or after diagnosis and needed direct intervention to change the pattern. Several members offered practical strategies including gradually reducing the number of beers available at home rather than going cold turkey, having the doctor speak directly to the husband about the dangerous interaction between alcohol and dementia medications, installing door alarms to prevent store trips, and substituting non-alcoholic alternatives when taste perception had declined. A recurring theme was the serious health risks of continued heavy drinking with dementia, including increased stroke risk and medication interactions, alongside the emotional reality that personality changes and withdrawal challenges are common but the safety concerns make reduction essential.

A myALZteam Member

Same with my husband I also substituted grape juice for wine he didn’t know the difference but he can’t taste anything either

September 17, 2025
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member: Putting this question together with the other question you asked (about your husband asking questions and getting angry at your responses) it sounds like he is an alcoholic who now has Alzheimer's (or possibly Vascular Dementia, which is common with alcoholics.)

To survive this situation, I'm afraid that you need to be very strong, and to face reality on all sides: even if he's drinking "Light" beer, heavy drinking for a man is 15 drinks in a WEEK -- but he's reaching that limit in just TWO DAYS. (For women, it's 8 drinks in a week.)

You asked what's likely to happen if he continues to drink. It's important to know that a stroke is a very strong possibility here. Big hugs to you.

I'm sorry to give you a response that you probably wish you didn't read, but I believe that knowledge is power, especially for Caregivers facing tough situations. (You can read my Story to know why I believe that.)

September 15, 2025 (edited)
A myALZteam Member

I had the same issue with my husband. After he had to give up driving, he used to walk to the store and buy it then hide it in the garage. We set up several video calls and the doctor talked to him directly explaining that dementia,and the medications are a dangerous combination. I had to install alarms on the doors eventually, but I wouldn't buy it. After he started taking medication for anxiety he didn't ask about it anymore. Good luck to you. You are not alone.

September 17, 2025
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member
Does he go get beer or do you bring it home? I would start reducing the daily amount till he gets down to two. As I know you know, alcohol and dementia don't do well together. I feel for you, my husband was a big beer drinker. He was drunk and fell once hurting himself a number of years ago. He voluntarily gave it up. It's a hard one! May not help but I would always say that this is a doctor's order.

September 17, 2025
A myALZteam Member

Non alcoholic beer is pretty good.

September 16, 2025

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