Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Warning Signs Related to Alcohol Abuse

Warning signs related to alcohol abuse include:

• Rating social events by the amount of alcohol served
• Eating only at restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages (and wanting to know in advance whether they do)
• Smoking
• Having minor traffic accidents (police do not typically suspect older adults of alcohol abuse and may not subject them to Breathalyzer© and other tests for sobriety)
• Drinking before going to a social event to "get started," gulping drinks, guarding the supply of alcoholic beverages, or insisting on mixing own drinks
• Leaving empty liquor, wine, or beer bottles or cans in the garbage or concealed under the bed, in the closet, or in other locations