J
jeremy
9 minutes
Signs of Alcohol and Medication Misuse in Older Adults
Drinking and medicine misuse in older adults are easy to miss. The signs look like just getting old. You may see falls, bruises, or a person who seems unsteady. You may notice confusion, memory gaps, poor eating, or poor sleep. Bills may go unpaid and visits may be missed. As people age, the body handles alcohol less well. The same drink hits harder than it once did. Older adults also take more medicines. Alcohol mixed with sleeping pills, pain pills, or anxiety pills can cause deep drowsiness and falls. Some misuse is an accident, such as taking a dose twice because of memory trouble. Loss of a spouse, retirement, pain, and loneliness can lead to heavier use. Many other things cause the same signs. Dementia, an infection, a stroke, or a side effect of a medicine can all look like being drunk. Sudden new confusion needs a medical check right away. Ask gently about alcohol and every pill the person takes, including ones bought at a store. Write down what you saw and share it with their doctor or nurse. Never tell a heavy daily drinker to stop all at once, since that can be dangerous. After this Concept you can spot alcohol or medicine misuse in an older adult and help them get the right medical care.