ASA - American Society on Aging

AOD - Alcohol, Medication & Other Drugs
Abuse and Misuse Among Older Adults

Ask the Experts About Substance Abuse & Older Adults

Below are questions regarding abuse and misuse of alcohol and other drugs among older adults. These questions have been asked by older adults themselves as well as by professionals in the fields of aging and healthcare, and answered by experts in the relevant field. Feel free to browse the questions and answers.

Also feel free to use the link at the bottom of the page to pose your own specific question. If your question is appropriate we will publically post both your question and an expert answer so that others who share your concern or curiosity will be able to view the answer.

Sample Questions and Answers

my husband is 65 and been drinking for many years. Whenever he starts drinking more then just a few he gets diarrhea. Is this the liver acting up or do you have another suggestion.
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We are receiving hospital d/c information that relates BALs of 55 and such. What does such a number mean?
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My mother lives in Missouri, is 77, with physical issues from alcohol & drugs. She needs a detox and In-patient program. Any suggestions?
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What screening tools do you recommend? I am in a hospital setting and we typically use the CAGE screen, but it is really very non-specific - is there any other tools you would suggest?
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My father has memory loss and other mental impairments as a result of long-time alcohol abuse. His doctor has advised immediate placement in an in-patient facilty for cessation of drinking. Where can I find facilities that specialize in treatment for older adult alcoholics with dementia?
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What causes most people to use AOD?
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is there any medication that can make you feel sick if you drink alcohol ie used as a preventative to drinking alcohol
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Do you know of any programs and/or research which addresses the issue of alcohol and drug abuse in nursingh homes?
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Where/what website/webpage can I look up to find more information about alcohol abuse in elderly? (facts,studies,info,etc)
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Are there any Recovery Centers in San Diego and/or Imperial County?
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How does age affect alcohol treatment success rates? Do older patients (75-80 years) have the same chance of recovery as younger patients?
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Why do people drink?
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What is the description of the substance abusing elderly population in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, socioeconomic status, etc [in the United States]?
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Which of the antiinflamatory drugs is safest if you also consume alcohol
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We have been marketing the program for months, and get few seniors. Any ideas?
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What is necessary to have more people willing to request treatment? For the most part, it's free.
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What do we need to do to get more seniors to request treatment? Almost always, it's in home and free.
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What is the percentage of older men 65 and above who take drugs, alcohol, and other harmful drugs compared to women the same age, just curious about a percentage.
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