'Not As Prescribed' Provides Tips on Substance Abuse With Older Adults Home, Family and Caregiving

Not As Prescribed Recognizing and Facing Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Older Adults

By Harry Haroutunian M D

Winner Silver Living Now Book Award Health Wellness 2017

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Dramatic lifestyle changes, along with growing health problems, have led many people 50+ to turn to alcohol, prescription painkillers and marijuana to medicate their physical and psychic pain. You may think, “Dad is just enjoying cocktails and retirement” or “Mom still has pain and needs her pills.” Maybe so, but consider this: An estimated 17 percent of people aged 60+ struggle with substance misuse and addiction. Older adults are now hospitalized as often for alcohol-related problems as they are for heart attacks.

In this book, Dr. Haroutunian, physician director at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, provides you with the vital information needed to understand the dynamics of addiction in older adults. You’ll learn to: Clearly distinguish between the signs of aging and the signs of addiction, many of which overlap Identify the indications of drug misuse and its progression to addiction Understand the unique treatment needs of older adults Get the help you — as a caregiver or loved one — need to cope with your loved ones’ addiction This essential guide can help you transform a state of stress and chaos to a place of understanding and compassion.

About the Author

Harry L. Haroutunian, MD, an internationally known speaker and authority on addiction-oriented topics—including drug misuse among older adults—is widely read online and has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show and Dr. Drew On Call and in the New York Times and Cosmopolitan. Board certified in both addiction and family medicine, he serves as physician director of professional and residential programs at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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