CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Overview
2. Alcohol
3. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
4. Barriers to Recognizing Problems
5. Signs and Symptoms of Misuse
6. Talking About Sensitive Issues
7. Assessing a Problem
8. Preventing Misuse
9. Intervention and Treatment

Supplements
Resources

Alcohol, Medication and Older Adults
For Those Who Care About or Care for an Older Adult

Introduction

Speaking to older adults about sensitive issues like medication and alcohol use can be difficult. Signs of misuse can be hard to recognize. In addition, among older adults a stigma is associated with drug and alcohol abuse.

Many older adults see alcohol use as a private and personal matter. Some may have hearing or memory loss, making communication a larger effort.

Living with or taking care of someone with an alcohol or drug problem is hard. If you wish to help an individual who has a problem with alcohol or drugs, be prepared for an uphill climb.

In the short term, you may be seen as a troublemaker or the enemy. If you fail to act or try to intervene, you risk becoming someone who helps contribute to the problem. Ultimately, the problem will get worse without help.

Things To Think About

Here are some things to think about:

• Do not try to handle it yourself.
• Learn about the problem.
• Speak to the person when he or she is sober, if possible.
• Expect denial.

Misusing alcohol and prescription and over-the-counter medicines can have serious consequences. Think about how to approach the older adult before beginning the conversation.