Alcohol and Medication - a Problem in Older Adults

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Most people who have enjoyed their afternoon cocktails as a daily part of their lifestyle, do not change their habits as they approach their senior years. Other aspects of their life do change, however, and this has to do with increased need for health care. Getting older often brings physical ailments for which the doctor has prescribed medications. The combination of alcohol and pharmaceuticals is often a problem for both the patient and the doctor.

Many medications are not prescribed for older adults who drink. Some of the more obvious are narcotics for pain relief, and sleeping pills. Other kinds of medicines, such as for blood pressure and heart, are affected by the presence of alcohol. Additionally, overall effectiveness of prescriptions is often lessened if a patient drinks.

Older adults may not tell the doctor they are drinking, or may minimize the frequency or the amount. Test results and recovery from illness or injury can reflect a poor patient response, which may cause the doctor to believe that the medication or treatment is not working. This can confuse the treatment goals, as the underlying problem is sabotaging treatment. The alcohol factor may be getting overlooked. This may lead to more tests, changes in medication or treatment, and patient frustration.

If people know they are not to drink while taking medication, it is often the medication that will lose out. This may not be reported to the doctor, who has no reason to assume medication is not being taken correctly. The patient may insist they are.

Many people are embarrassed or simply refuse to discuss their personal issues with their physician. The physician may suspect that the patient is drinking, but if he or she denies it, there is little the doctor can do, without speaking to relatives. Often, the information from close relatives or friends will reveal much more than the patient is willing to divulge.

Adult care specialists Illinois can assist family members and patients in managing these kinds of problems. Many times reducing consumption or altering the timing the drinks can help improve compliance. It may also assist in achieving wellness under the current medication and treatment program.

In older adults who have a lifelong alcohol habit, being able to maintain a reduced level of consumption helps them cope better than if it were taken away completely. They are often is more willing to work with their physician as well, if the patient doesn't fear abstinence, and the need to keep information hidden that undermines treatment.

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