Alcohol and Prescription Medication Abuse in the Older Adult

05/28/2009

Although seniors make up only 12% of the population, they are prescribed about 30% of all drugs. Not only are they prescribed more drugs, these drugs may have a greater effect on them. It has been estimated that over 20% of Medicare payments are related to hospitalizations caused by smoking, drinking alcohol or abusing prescription drugs.

Elders often are prescribed tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs and other medications that compound the effects of alcohol. These drugs can magnify the effects of a few drinks and lead to acute intoxication. A senior who has relied on a prescribed medication for months or years to help with a medical condition may be reluctant to reduce or eliminate that medication from his or her maintenance regimen. Elders who have memory difficulties and abuse alcohol can easily lose track of their medication schedules, leading to unintentional overdoses.

The best place to begin helping is often with the elder's primary-care physician. At the very least, making the doctor aware that you feel there may be a problem with alcohol or drugs can minimize the risk of a dangerous drug interaction. As with anyone with a longstanding addiction problem, the safest place to begin treatment is under medical supervision. Taking away someone's alcohol or pills suddenly can have serious and even fatal consequences. Sudden withdrawal from alcohol or some drugs can lead to hallucinations, convulsions and death. It is important that any inpatient treatment take place in a program with extensive experience in treating seniors. The elderly should look for a program or group meeting that includes seniors with similar backgrounds. Although treatment is more likely to be successful for those who began drinking later in life, it can work and is worth attempting with any individual with an addiction problem.

Editor’s Note:  This article was excerpted from one prepared by David Brown, PhD, LPC, LAC
and was submitted by Parkview Medical Hospital.  For further information they can be reached at 719-584-4000.