Elderly Substance Abuse
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The elderly is a growing population in the U.S. Compared to younger populations, the elderly are much more likely to abuse alcohol only. Current estimates of alcohol substance abuse among all elderly range from 2% to 10% and as many as 17% of elderly abuse alcohol and/or prescription drugs (Weintraub et al. 2002, 337). Because of the dramatic rise in elderly expected from the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, these numbers are predicted to rise considerably. Despite the prevalence of substance abuse among the elderly, such abuse often goes under-detected and under-treated in the health care system. There are a variety of reasons for this. The elderly population is often viewed as a hidden population in U.S. culture. Family members, the elderly, and physicians are often remiss to deal with such issues. Isolation, poverty, loss of loved ones, and cognitive disorders often place the elderly at high risk for substance abuse, in addition to accidental mixing of prescription drugs or over dosing. Because of this, only 1% of all elderly patients are referred to substance abuse counseling (Weintraub et al. 2003, 337).Researchers have tried to develop screening methods designed to address the special needs of elderly substance abusers. Such methods must be routinely used by physicians and effective to have an impact. Mersy (2003) recommends the modified CAGE questionnaire in order to pinpoint “red flags” that will cue physicia
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bculture of elderly substance abusers, those 60 and older with substance abuse issues who are incarcerated. Incarcerated substance abusers typically receive care aimed at reducing recidivism. However, this population continues to increase due to harsher and longer sentencing laws and the aging of the U.S. population. In a study of 10,952 elderly offenders, researchers found that seventy-one percent of older inmates reported a substance abuse problem. Similar to other research on elderly substance abusers, the researchers found that when compared to younger inmates with substance abuse problems, older offenders were more likely to only abuse alcohol. Despite many of the older inmates having used substance for over four decades, more than one-third had never received any form of treatment. The researchers concluded that this population would benefit from substance abuse treatment, particularly in light of high-risk factors like age, additional medical needs, and combination of alcohol and prescription drugs.
Benshoff, J. J., Harrawood, L. K., and Koch, D. S. (Apr/Jun 2003). Substance abuse and the elderly: Unique issues and concerns. Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(2), 43+.
This research focuses on the difficult of diagno
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Approximate Word count = 1298
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page)
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