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

Cultural Factors

Language and cultural barriers
Cultural beliefs and practices may conflict with the doctor's treatment. Then the older person does not follow the treatment plan. Language barriers and limited literacy may cause fear or confusion when the person is unfamiliar with the medical terms used.

Self-care practices
Older adults may not consider over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbals to be "drugs." Therefore, they may not tell their doctor they are using these remedies.