Pathways Courses - Alcohol, Medication and Older Adults

Alcohol, Medication and Older Adults
For Those Who Care About or Care for an Older Adult

Module 8: Preventing Misuse - Page 2 of 7

If you don't drink, don't start.

If you don't drink, don't start.
Take all medicine as directed.
Pay attention to side effects.
Ask questions of the doctor and pharmacist.
Use psychoactive drugs with caution.
Minimize long-term use of psychoactive drugs.
Do not use alcohol with sleeping pills, painkillers, or antidepressants.
Do not use alcohol for sleep problems.
Eat nutritious food.
Exercise regularly at a comfortable level.
Enjoy hobbies and share them with others.
Stay in touch with loved ones.
Share life experiences with the younger generation.
If an older adult decides to drink, remember the recommended sensible limit for older adults is one drink a day.

Age-related stress puts older adults at risk for increased drinking.
Age-related changes in metabolism make older adults more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol problems increase with medication use - don't mix alcohol and medicine.
Know what physical and mental changes to look for.
Know what to do if you suspect a problem with misuse and when to report these changes to a doctor.