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Seniors, Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol and medication use and misuse among older adults is one of the fastest growing health problems facing our country. Most people over 65 don't use illegal drugs. However, almost one in five older adults misuse alcohol and prescription drugs. The number of older adults with alcohol and drug problems will rise as more of us age. Sadly, this problem is largely unnoticed and under treated.

Misuse of alcohol and medications is worse for older adults than younger adults. Because of the way aging changes the body, any alcohol use can present risks. Additionally, older adults have more chronic diseases and therefore take more prescription medicines. Some people take up to 10 different medicines a day. It is not uncommon to make mistakes in how much medicine to take or how often to take it. Using alcohol with certain medications can cause problems.

Drug Abuse and AIDS

Behavior associated with drug abuse is now the single largest factor in the spread of HIV infection in the United States. HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. AIDS is a condition characterized by a defect in the body's natural immunity to diseases, and individuals who suffer from it are at risk for severe illnesses that are usually not a threat to anyone whose immune system is working properly. Although many individuals who have AIDS or carry HIV may live for many years with treatment, there is no known cure or vaccine. Read more on Drug Abuse and AIDS ...