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

Herbal Remedies

Many older adults use herbal remedies but fear telling their doctor. Some doctors dismiss the use of herbals as silly, causing patients to feel embarrassed about it.

Herbal products must be thought of as drugs and used with care and respect. It is important to tell the doctor about all herbal products used because these products can affect the medications prescribed.

Some herbal products can increase the effectiveness of medications, while others can decrease effectiveness. Still others can increase the toxicity of the drugs a doctor prescribes or increase bleeding.

Herbal remedies can come in the form of teas, tinctures, or tablets. The most common herbs used by older adults are:

• Gingko biloba - used to treat memory problems
• St. John's wort - used to treat depression and anxiety