Older Adults and Substance Use

Substance-related problems can be missed in later life. Understanding changes in health, medicines and daily circumstances helps people receive care that respects their needs and choices.

Alcohol and other substances can affect someone differently as their health, medicines and circumstances change. A drinking pattern that once seemed manageable may now contribute to falls, sleep difficulties or medicine interactions. These problems deserve assessment; they are not an inevitable part of getting older.

Help can be useful whether difficulties began recently or have continued for years. Care needs to consider the person's health, goals, relationships and practical access to support. Taking a prescribed medicine or developing physical dependence does not, by itself, establish addiction.

Sudden confusion needs immediate medical help. Difficulty waking someone, slow or difficult breathing, or a seizure also requires emergency medical help now. If alcohol dependence may be present, seek clinical advice before abruptly stopping or sharply reducing drinking. Prescribed sedatives should not be stopped suddenly without advice from the prescriber.

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