The Client - Summary

Compared with younger adults, older adults generally consume less alcohol, but they are more likely to use psychoactive medication. Older adults are generally more vulnerable than younger adults to the effects of psychoactive substances. Problem use exists on a continuum, and problems can occur at quite low levels of use in older adults. For this reason, it is important for older adults to be aware of low-risk drinking guidelines. Problems associated with alcohol and psychoactive medication use may be mistaken for signs of aging. Older adults who experience problems with alcohol or psychoactive medication fall into three groups: early onset, intermittent and late onset.