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)

When To Screen

Ideally, every 60-year-old should be screened for alcohol and prescription drug abuse as part of his or her regular physical examination. However, problems can develop after the screening has been conducted, and concurrent illnesses and other chronic conditions may mask abuse.

Although no hard and fast rules govern the timing, screening or rescreening is suggested if the physical symptoms listed in "Physical Symptom Triggers" are present or if the older person is undergoing major life changes or transitions.

As older patients undergo key life transitions or take on new and stressful roles, vulnerability to alcohol or prescription drug misuse and abuse may increase. Life transitions posing a risk include menopause, a newly "empty nest," and approaching retirement. Assuming new roles such as caregiver for an ailing relative or custodian of young grandchildren also makes older adults more vulnerable. Any of these changes should trigger an alcohol screen.