CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Overview
2. Alcohol
3. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
4. Barriers to Recognizing Problems
5. Signs and Symptoms of Misuse
6. Talking About Sensitive Issues
7. Assessing a Problem
8. Preventing Misuse
9. Intervention and Treatment

Supplements
Resources

Alcohol, Medication and Older Adults
For Those Who Care About or Care for an Older Adult

Module Content Introduction Reasons the Problem is Missed Module 1 Quiz

Reasons the Problem is Missed

Health care providers often overlook substance misuse and abuse among older adults for many reasons.

Difficult Diagnosis

Symptoms of substance abuse in older adults can look similar to symptoms of other common medical and behavioral disorders (such as diabetes, dementia, and depression).

Shame

Older adults, like many others, may feel shame or guilt about their use and misuse of alcohol and medicine. They may be reluctant to seek help for what they consider a private matter. Family members of older adults with substance use problems also may be ashamed of the problem. If an older adult, family member, or caregiver does not bring up the subject with the doctor, the problem may not get addressed.

Stereotypes

Ageism is discrimination against people because of their age. Some people think that it is not worth treating older adults for substance use disorders. Behavior considered a problem in younger adults does not seem to inspire the same urgency for care among older adults.

Lack of Information

Older adults often see many different health care providers. Each doctor may not have the complete picture of what is going on with the patient. Hurried office visits and limited training in geriatric issues can contribute to the problem. Many people believe that alcohol and substance abuse problems cannot be successfully treated in older adults. Others think treatment for older adults is a waste of health care resources.

We need to understand what makes older adults particularly vulnerable to the use and misuse of alcohol and prescription drugs. Only then can we prevent, minimize, and reduce the risk. Learning the facts, developing the skills, and having the tools can go a long way to improving the lives of those we love.