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

Approaching the topic of substance abuse can be a sensitive issue. Your comfort level with asking questions will depend on your relationship with the older person and the responses you receive. Doctors, nurses, and home health aides can screen for more information, but family members and friends also may want to help.

If you choose to ask a few questions, here are some tips:

• Be respectful of privacy - choose a confidential place to begin the discussion.
• Try to frame your questions as a concern for a medical condition or health issue.
• Be empathetic and nonconfrontational.
• Be honest.
• Do not minimize your concern for the person's health and safety.
• Do not use terms like "alcoholic" or "drug addict" that stigmatize the individual and pass judgment on his or her behavior.
• Be an active listener. This means:
  Listen to the words spoken.
  Observe the nonverbal behavior (body language, tone of voice, facial expressions).
  Listen to the responses in the context of the whole person and the recent events of his or her life.