Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most commonly abused substance among adults aged 65 or older?
What is the most commonly abused substance among adults aged 65 or older?
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Alcohol (correct)
- Methamphetamine
What percentage of older adults reported binge drinking in the past month according to the 2002 survey?
What percentage of older adults reported binge drinking in the past month according to the 2002 survey?
- 12.5 percent
- 7.5 percent (correct)
- 10.0 percent
- 5.0 percent
Which class of tranquilizers are older adults often prescribed excessively?
Which class of tranquilizers are older adults often prescribed excessively?
- Benzodiazepines (correct)
- Barbiturates
- Opioids
- Antidepressants
How much more prescription medicine do older adults consume compared to the general population?
How much more prescription medicine do older adults consume compared to the general population?
Why is diagnosing substance use disorder in older adults often difficult?
Why is diagnosing substance use disorder in older adults often difficult?
What trend is expected as children of the Baby Boom generation reach senior citizenship?
What trend is expected as children of the Baby Boom generation reach senior citizenship?
What role do grown children often take when caring for older parents with substance abuse issues?
What role do grown children often take when caring for older parents with substance abuse issues?
What can impact the household dynamics when an older adult has a substance abuse problem?
What can impact the household dynamics when an older adult has a substance abuse problem?
Flashcards
Substance abuse in older adults
Substance abuse in older adults
Substance abuse in older adults (65+) is most commonly associated with alcohol and prescription medications.
Prevalence of alcohol abuse in older adults
Prevalence of alcohol abuse in older adults
The 2002 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse reported 7.5% of older adults engaged in binge drinking and 1.4% engaged in heavy drinking within the past month.
Benzodiazepine use in older adults
Benzodiazepine use in older adults
Older adults often receive excessive amounts of benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) compared to other age groups, and they take them for longer periods.
Prescription medication use in older adults
Prescription medication use in older adults
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Diagnosing substance abuse in older adults
Diagnosing substance abuse in older adults
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Underestimation of substance abuse in older adults
Underestimation of substance abuse in older adults
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Impact of older adult substance abuse on family
Impact of older adult substance abuse on family
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Elder abuse reporting and role reversal
Elder abuse reporting and role reversal
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Study Notes
Substance Abuse in Older Adults
- Older adults (65+) often misuse alcohol and prescription medication.
- A 2002 survey found 7.5% of older adults reported binge drinking and 1.4% reported heavy drinking.
- Veterans hospital data show some receive excessive benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) requiring lower doses.
- Older adults take significantly more prescription medication (3x the general population).
- This trend will increase as baby boomers age.
Challenges in Diagnosing Substance Abuse in Older Adults
- Symptoms of substance abuse can mimic other age-related issues (e.g., dementia, diabetes, depression).
- Healthcare providers sometimes underestimate substance abuse issues in older people.
- Lack of screening for substance abuse in older adults is a common issue.
Family Impact of Substance Abuse in Older Adults
- Older adults often rely on adult children for care/support for financial reasons.
- Substance abuse in an older adult affects the entire household.
- Spouses, being older themselves, can struggle to intervene effectively.
- Family resources often needed to address the issue.
- Elder maltreatment reporting is a legal requirement (similar to child abuse).
Role Reversal and Family Dynamics
- Children often take on parental caregiver roles for aging parents, causing stress and adjustment.
- Children may cut off financial support to alter parental behavior, or reduce pain of observing decline.
- Children may stop contact to reduce emotional pain, increasing the parent's social isolation.
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