Drug Abuse — When to See a Doctor << Drugs and Alternative Medicine << Healthy Aging << womenshealth.gov

Drug Abuse — When to See a Doctor

Drug abuse is seen in people of all ages, races, and income levels. Yet, since older adults often take more medications, they have a higher risk of drug abuse. According to the American Geriatrics Society's Foundation for Health in Aging, older adults are most likely to abuse anti-anxiety drugs (such as Valium or Xanax), oral narcotics (such as codeine), or sleeping pills. If you're taking a higher dosage than your doctor recommends or if you're taking your drugs more often, you may have a problem. If you think you may have a problem, talk to your doctor. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and your doctor can help.

Additional Resources

Publications

Age Page: Medicines: Use Them Safely — This publication describes the difference between prescription drugs and over the counter (OTC) drugs and also offers tips to avoid risks and get the best results from your medication at home, at the doctor's office and at the pharmacy.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/medicines.htm

Medication and Older Adults — This article discusses over medicating, medicine and special needs, living active lives and cost cutting. It also provides information on questions to ask doctors before taking new medications.

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/697_old.html

Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Americans — This booklet provides a guide for older Americans on how to manage taking their prescription medications.

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163959.htm

Trends in Prescription Drug Abuse — This site discusses trends in prescription drug abuse among older adults, teens and young adults, as well as trends between men and women.

http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Prescription/prescription5.html

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.