Aging Adults And Substance Abuse - 1861 Words

Monica Neumann Gerontology Fall 2015 As we read through this literature review, we will outline some of the findings from the most recent research from 2010-2015. The focus is on aging adults and substance abuse in the United States. The use of alcohol, and prescription medications among this population, also known as the â€Å"Baby Boomers† is a major concern. One focus will be on the prevalence of substance abuse (alcohol and prescription use) and the consequences both mentally and physically. Being apart of the aging population and substance abuse this can lead to misdiagnosing and treating substance abuse among the elderly. The Baby Boomer population is growing rapidly here in the United Sates and the issues of substance abuse and misuse among older adults is a concern. The prevalence of substance use among this population is increasing and the most common substances used are alcohol, prescription medications and over the counter medications. Continued use of alcohol and prescription drugs, we tend to see a rise in the number of older adults admitted to the hospital, with that comes higher healthcare costs. With the growing concern over the physical and mental health effects of substance abuse as the population of older adults continues to rise, the question is whether there are going to be enough treatment options available for this age group and if so, what type of treatment is best. With the aging population growing in the United States, the question is raisedShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse in Older Population1556 Words   |  6 Pages(Basca, 2008 Rothrauff, 2004). Symptoms such as confusion and cognitive decline that are sometimes seen in aging adults are often seen in those with SUDs. The Role of the Physician One of the first lines of defense in helping the elderly who are struggling with substance abuse is assisting them in recognizing there is a problem and correctly screening for substance abuse (Han et al., 2009). This primary role of the physician is essential to the treatment of the older patient’s medical needsRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Alcohol Abuse1477 Words   |  6 Pages A. Personally, I think that the biggest social issue in today’s society is substance abuse. Substance abuse is a dependence on an addictive substance, such as alcohol or drugs. These addictive substances can have very serious effects and come with risky consequences when using. Using and abusing substances can lead to both short and long term effects to your health. Short term effects can include increased heart rate, tremors, mood changes and dizziness. In high dosages the effects can be even greaterRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1473 Words   |  6 PagesInteragency Forum on Agi ng-Related Statistics, 2000). The nation’s population will increase 18% during and the population aged 65 and older will increase 78% ( Wan, Sengupta, Velkoff, DeBarros, 2005). One growing concern within the elderly population is that of substance abuse as it pertains to the increasing numbers of substance abusers, and/or the increasing rates of substance abuse among the elderly population. A national public health concern is that the rate of elderly substance abuse will rise sharplyRead MoreSubstance Abuse and the Elderly Essay example1705 Words   |  7 PagesSubstance Abuse and the Elderly Substance abuse in the elderly exists just as in any other population. Many seniors develop substance abuse problems due to circumstances or situations due to the aging process. A report by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that 17% of adults age 60 and older are affected by alcohol abuse and abuse of legal drugs. The report also states that a third of those seniors who abuse substances didRead MoreSubstance Abuse in Older Populations1147 Words   |  5 PagesThe issue of substance misuse and abuse among the elderly population is complex. The elderly rarely use alcohol or drugs to get high rather drug or alcohol use that begins after age 60 appears fundamentally different (Culberson Ziska 2008). The elderly sometimes turn to alcohol and drugs to alleviate the physical and psychological pain from the onslaught of medical and psychiatric illness, the loss of loved ones or social isolation (Culberson Ziska 2008). Elderly patients have a combinationRead MoreAging Out of Foster Care Essay1272 Words   |  6 Pagesbecoming a legal adult, and are free from the rules and restrictions created under their parents. But not all teens feel the same joy about this coming of age. For the hundreds of thousands of children living in foster care in the United States, this new found freedom brings anxiety a nd fear. Where will they live after turning 18? How will they get the medications they may need? How will they find a job with little to no experience? How will they put themselves through school? Aging out of foster careRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Depression820 Words   |  4 PagesAlthough older adults are at increased risk of depression, it is not a normal part of aging (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015; Mental Health Association, 2016). Depression is among the leading causes of disability in the general adult population, ages 18 years and above (US Preventative Services Taskforce [USPST], 2016). The US Preventative Services Taskforce recommends that all adult patients be screened for depression (USPST, 2016). Approximately 6% of older adults, ages 65 andRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1668 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican elders are living in good health. As our aging baby boomers live longer, a substantial and growing percentage of older ad ults misuse alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances (Bartel, Blow, Brockmann, 2005). In turn, substance abuse among the elder is generating major health concerns and a rapid need for prevention methods. Substance abuse among the elderly is a concealed epidemic in the United States. Alcohol and substance abuse often go unnoticed, unreported, and therefore, untreatedRead MoreSubstance Use And Abuse Among The Elderly Population2853 Words   |  12 Pages Substance Use and Abuse among the Elderly Population Joshua Antonio Dye Arkansas State University Introduction of the Issue The population of seniors and older adults are establishing an ever increasing concern to the United States and its system of health care. Life expectancy in America has increased and those who are blessed with old age are receiving all the side effects, from oral and health care concerns, to housing and nursing needs. Older adults are people aged sixtyRead MoreDrug Abuse Within The Elderly Population1135 Words   |  5 Pagesnumber of prescriptions written for controlled substances (those with an addictive quality) has increased more than 150% since 2008. Until recently, the social issue of drug abuse within the elderly population has not been widely understood or addressed. Because this is an issue affecting an ever-growing number of the country’s population, the focus of our practice based research project will be based primarily on the increasing number of older adults who are becoming addicted to prescription drugs