As you get older, alcohol may start to effect you differently. You may become more sensitive to it, and your regular drinking habits could become a problem. Alcohol can also cause dangerous interactions when mixed with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Drinking too much can cause falls and fractures and can lead to some cancers, liver and brain damage, osteoporosis, and strokes.
Medicare covers alcohol misuse screening & counseling to provide counseling for people who misuse alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends adults 65 and over who are healthy and don’t take medications have no more than 3 drinks on a given day or 7 drinks in a week.
If you think you or a loved one could be misusing alcohol, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and Medicare wants to help you stay safe and healthy.
