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)

Alcohol, Illness, and Medical Conditions

Although alcohol can negatively affect a person of any age, the interaction of age-related physiological changes and the consumption of alcohol can trigger or exacerbate additional serious problems among older adults, including:

• Increased risk of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy
• Increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke
• Impaired immune system and ability to combat infection and cancer
• Cirrhosis and other liver diseases
• Decreased bone density
• Gastrointestinal bleeding and gastric lesions
• Depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and other mental health problems
• Malnutrition

The diagram summarizes the effects of alcohol on older persons. Click on the name of a body part or system to learn more.