Alcohol and substance misuse in the older patient

IntroductionScope of the problemRisk factorsDrugsMisuse of prescribed medicationsAlcoholAssessmentManagementPrognosisConclusionReferences   Introduction Alcohol and substance misuse can be easily overlooked in the older population. Studies show that the misuse of drugs and alcohol is an increasing phenomenon among older people impacting on both morbidity and mortality. The €œbaby boomer€ population born between 1946-1964 appears to be at maximum threat of rising substance misuse in the older population. Clinical knowledge and a developing literature base show that older people may use a mixture of legal and illegal substances, as well as prescribed and over-the-counter medications taken in accordance with medical practitioners’ directions.1  The number