Risikofylt alkohol- og legemiddelbruk blant eldre – implikasjoner for klinisk praksis [Hazardous alcohol and prescription drug use among older adults – implications for clinical practice

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to present and discuss seven specific recommendations regarding hazardous drinking and inappropriate use of prescription drugs in older adults. International studies show that the prevalence of at-risk or hazardous drinking among older adults is increasing. Furthermore, prolonged and inappropriate use of prescription drugs, often in combination with alcohol, is common in older adults. The health impacts of hazardous alcohol use often occurs faster in older adults due to age-related changes in metabolism, existing health problems, and negative interactions with drugs. The potential consequences are complicated courses of disease and injury and thus increased use of health services. I argue that hazardous drinking is underreported and underestimated in older adults and that a need exists for differentiated health services that take into account the heterogeneity as well as the complexity in older adults’ needs. I pinpoint that older adults should have the same access to specialist health services as other age groups. Future research should focus on barriers to detection and intervention in older adults as well as on the consequences of combining alcohol with prescription drugs.