Conference at VCU will focus on alcohol misuse among older adults

CONTACT: Mike Porter
VCU Communications and Public Relations
Phone: 804-828-7037
mrporter@vcu.edu
or:
Rebecca Gettings
Director of Public Affairs
Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Phone: 804-213-4419
rebecca.gettings@abc.virginia.gov

Virginia Commonwealth University's Virginia Center on Aging, the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the Alcohol and Aging Awareness Group are sponsoring a conference to examine the risks of alcohol misuse and the potential for alcohol and medication interactions in older adults.

"The Hidden Epidemic: Alcohol, Medication and the Older Adult" will be held on Tuesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at VCU's University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. 

More than 200 health and social workers, family caregivers and older adults have registered for the conference to learn about the signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse, how to address the issue with clients and families and where to find help.

Speakers include:

Michael Weaver, M.D., associate professor, internal medicine, VCU, will discuss the prevalence of alcohol abuse in older adults.

Patricia W. Slattum, Pharm.D, Ph.D., associate professor, department of pharmacy, VCU, will discuss using alcohol and medications safely.

Marcia J. Lawton, Ph.D., founder of VCU’s alcohol and drug education/rehabilitation program in the department of rehab counseling, will discuss her book “Beacon of Hope”.

Debra Jay, author of “Aging and Addiction: Helping Older Adults Overcome Alcohol and Medical Dependence,” will serve as keynote speaker.