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)

Brief Advice

	Low-Risk Use
Brief Advice

Brief advice can be used to keep low-risk drinkers from developing problems. These are individuals who drink within recommended guidelines or who do not currently have problems. However, problems could arise in the future if current consumption patterns continue or if the individual begins taking certain medications. Brief advice may include the following:

• Invite people who drink above the recommended level (one drink per day or seven drinks per week) to cut down. Education about the effects of excess alcohol and aging may prevent adverse health consequences. Work with prescribing physicians to avoid alcohol-drug interactions.
• Contract for abstention or reduction. If a person’s alcohol problem is not longstanding but the person is not willing to acknowledge a problem, suggest that he or she refrain or cut back on drinking for 30 days. Check to see whether this improves the person’s quality of life.
  
  

  Explain the possibility of unpleasant effects during the first week and make sure the patient informs you of any signs or symptoms of withdrawal that may require therapy. Advanced age requires extra caution in this regard.

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