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

Introduction

Alcohol problems can be difficult to recognize. Often alcohol problems are mistaken for other conditions. To give you an idea of how difficult this can be, how would you see the following situation?

Case Study

Jane, age 75, is unsteady on her feet. She has tremors in her hands and is malnourished. She is also forgetful and disoriented. She has difficulty "staying on track" with a conversation. What do you think is Jane's problem? Is Jane's condition related to: (click on an answer below to see if you're right)

• Medical illness
• Dementia
• Depression
• Delirium
• Interaction of medications
• Drinking
• Combination of the above