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

• Screening is a way to see if the older adult you care about is having a problem with alcohol or medication use.
• With any screening tool, it is important to observe body language and tone of voice as well as the answers to the questions asked.
• Appropriate medication use depends on an older adult knowing about his or her medications, how to take the medications, and how to get the medications.
• It is important to assess depression as well as substance use and misuse.