ASA - American Society on Aging

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

The Facts

With older adults, substance abuse is frequently an invisible problem. Substance abuse may be masked and complicated by lack of awareness, provider behavior, other health problems and ageism. Often the signs of substance abuse may be mistaken for common signs of aging or dementia. These challenges can be successfully addressed.

Among the over 60-population, as many as 17% misuse alcohol or medications.
Among older people, alcohol-related hospitalization rates are similar to those for heart attacks.
Only 13% of the population, older people consume 25-30% of all prescription drugs.
Older people consume at least 25% of all the over-the-counter (OTC) medications available without prescription.
Older adults are more compliant with treatment and have treatment outcomes as good as or better than younger people.
Some evidence suggests that age-specific treatment improves older adult compliance outcomes.

1.	A glass of wine taken regularly before going to bed will help an older person to sleep better. a. True b. False
2.	The same amount of alcohol usually has a greater effect on older people than on younger adults. a. True b. False
3.	If an older person says that drinking is his/her last remaining pleasure, it is generally best to allow the person to continue to drink- even if the alcohol has become problematic - as long as others are not being put at risk. a. True b. False
4.	If an older person is depressed, alcohol is helpful in lifting the person's mood. a. True b. False

5.	A person must want to stop drinking or must "hit bottom" before you can help a person who has a drinking problem. a. True b. False

6.	An alcohol problem in later life increases the risk for suicide. a. True b. False

7.	Older adults have one of the lowest success rates in treatment programs. a. True b. False
8.	Treatment is just stopping drinking. a. True b. False
9.	Signs of an alcohol problem in older persons are often mistaken for signs of aging or chronic illness. a. True b. False
10.	Older people are more likely than younger adults to admit to having an alcohol problem. a. True b. False
11.	Over-the-counter medications and alcohol can be taken safely together. a. True b. False
12.	Alcohol in over-the-counter medications is needed as a preservative and is only used in small amounts, e.g. Nyquil. a. True b. False
13.	When a person has been taking a prescribed medication for many years, there is no reason for it to be changed when the person is older. a. True b. False
14.	Alcoholism is a sign of moral weakness. a. True b. False
15.	Only people who drink large quantities of alcohol on a frequent basis have an alcohol problem. a. True b. False
16.	Most older alcoholics are medically debilitated and require extensive healthcare and social services. a. True b. False
17.	Alcohol is the substance most abused by older people. a. True b. False