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Substance Abuse Resource Guide Older Americans: Prevention Materials October 1997

Making Prevention Work: Actions for Older Americans
Organization: Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Year: 1994
Format: Fact Sheet
Length: 1 Page
Inventory Number: MPW002
Availability: NCADI, P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847-2345; 800-729-6686. (free)

This fact sheet presents eight ways that older Americans can prevent substance abuse in themselves and others. Pointers include: (1) be aware that age-related stresses, such as loss of employment, widowhood, or other bereavement may put you at risk for increased alcohol consumption; and (2) talk to your family, children, and grandchildren about substance abuse and the potential health, safety, and legal consequences.

This booklet advises the elderly on proper management of their prescription drugs. To keep track of a variety of prescriptions, this guide explains the importance of using an organizational system, and how to create one. The "Passport to Good Health Care," a separate booklet listing vital information about medications and doctors, is provided as an insert.

Alcohol abuse among older men and women is a more serious problem than people realize. This fact sheet alerts the reader to the physical effects of alcohol and the dangers of mixing drugs. Ways to detect a drinking problem and get help are also addressed. (Other Age Pages are available from the NIA Information Center--see below for address and phone number.)

This fact sheet explains why medications affect older people differently than middle-aged people, and why caution should be taken when using over-the-counter medications. Basic rules for safe drug use are given.

A good patient-doctor relationship is a partnership, with both patient and doctor working together to solve medical problems and maintain the patient's good health. This booklet explains the importance of communicating well with one's doctor and provides tips, such as getting started with a new doctor and discussing sensitive subjects. A section about medication management is included.

This brochure educates the reader about safe practices for medications use. The wellness map, which folds out to an attractive poster, suggests five strategies for avoiding medication problems. Suggestions include improving communication with the physician, being attentive to the prescription information, and getting organized. Warning signs of drug interactions are also explained.

This fact sheet warns that alcohol use can become a problem for older Americans and that alcohol abuse by the elderly should not be ignored. It dispels some common beliefs, lists facts about alcohol abuse and the elderly, suggests ways to help problem drinkers, and provides information about treatment programs, support groups, and resources.

This fact sheet explores the issue of chemical dependency and the elderly. It examines the prevalence and characteristics of the problem, substance abuse, medication misuse, intervention, treatment, and other issues.

This fact sheet discusses the scope of issues surrounding drug abuse among the "graying" population in North America. The discussion focuses on a variety of substances, including prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

This fact sheet describes some common medications and their uses and effects. Misuse of and dependence on cough and cold preparations, sedative-hypnotics and tranquilizers, barbiturates, antidepressants, analgesics, and stimulants are discussed.

This poster deflates the stereotype of the alcoholic by conveying the message that alcoholism is common to all racial and ethnic populations and occupations, as well as varying age groups. Stating "there is no such thing as typical," the poster's message is meaningful to a diverse audience.

It's often difficult to recognize that an older person we know and love has an alcohol problem. Risk factors such as retirement, health problems, and loss of loved ones make older people vulnerable to alcoholism. This video presents facts about the disease of alcoholism, warning signs, effects of alcohol on the body, and how family members can help. It also gives treatment providers tips on counseling older people. A booklet and brochure are also available.

This booklet provides guidelines to help the practicing physician update the level of awareness, establish a diagnosis, manage current emergency conditions such as acute withdrawal, and refer the elderly patient to ongoing treatment for alcoholism and for any medical or psychiatric complications. The CAGE and MAST-G, self-assessment tools for alcoholism, are included.

Targeted to older and long-term smokers, this brochure offers the top 10 reasons to quit smoking. It shows how quitting improves health and helps people feel and look better.