CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Overview
2. Recognizing Alcohol Misuse and Abuse in Older Adults
3. Alcohol and Aging
4. Diagnosing Alcohol Problems in Older Adults
5. Recognizing Other Forms of Substance Abuse
6. Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies
7. Treatment
8. Outcomes and Cost Issues in Alcohol Treatment for Older Adults
9. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Resources

At Any Age, It Does Matter:
Substance Abuse and Older Adults (for Professionals)

Suggestions for Clinicians

With the mixed results regarding the detrimental effects and potential benefits of alcohol use, clinicians may be confused about what to recommend regarding alcohol use among their older patients. For example, should they recommend no change in consumption or a reduction in consumption for older adults who do not meet criteria for abuse/dependence?

It is possible to recognize at-risk drinking levels and monitor patients without providing any recommendations regarding use. For older adults who are more susceptible to both the physiological and the psychosocial effects of substance use, erring on the side of caution with nonconfrontational messages and followup is generally the most practical and effective approach.