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

Summary

• Misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicines is not uncommon, but there are ways to prevent and reduce this misuse.
• Older adults are more vulnerable to misuse as the aging process causes increased sensitivity to the effects of medications and alcohol.
• Interactions between different prescription drugs or between medicine and alcohol can have serious effects in older adults.
• Talk to the doctor about all medicines and over-the-counter drugs taken and any concerns about how to take the medicines or side effects.