Substance Abuse in Older Population - 1556 Words

(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 needs. The medical community plays an important role in the lives of older people. Physicians prescribe the medications which a person might possibly abuse. It is the responsibility of the physician to identify and address a patient’s possible problems with substance abuse. When contemplating the most effective treatment of older patients with substance use problems it is vital to take into account all areas of the patient’s health care (Rothrauff, 2004). Many aging patients utilize the services offered by members of a church community, home health care workers, social workers, and others on a regular basis. All of those who are involved in the patient’s care can assist a physician in incorporating valuable resources and become vital members of the patient’s support network (Rothrauff, 2004). Family members, while an important part of a patient’s treatment, should only be included in treatment decisions with the consent of the patient. Confidentiality is of the utmost importanceShow MoreRelatedSubstance 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 begi ns 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 MoreSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1473 Words   |  6 Pages2011. The number of older Americans will increase from 35 to 70 million by the year 2030 (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-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 elderlyRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1668 Words   |  7 Pageselder population. The number of Americans age 65 or older are living longer, in more comfort and in better health than ever before. However, not all American elders are living in good health. As our aging baby boomers live longer, a substantial and growing percentage of older adults 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 abuseRead 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 MoreDrug Abuse Within The Elderly Population1135 Words   |  5 Pagesthe number 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 prescriptionRead MoreSubstance Abusers: A Vulnerable Population Essay840 Words   |  4 PagesVulnerable Population A vulnerable population are people that have specific characteristics, or risk factors, that increase the probability of developing health problems (Harkness DeMarco, 2012, p.103). A Vulnerable is important because anyone can become a part of this population. One is going to be describing the characteristics of substance abusers. Next, give the common health issue and needs. Then, give specific resources that Peoria have to offer. Finally, how substance abuse relates to HealthyRead MoreDiagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders ( Dsm ) Defines Substance Abuse As Addiction Essay1423 Words   |  6 PagesDefinitions Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines substance abuse as addiction. Addiction is defined by abuse and dependence. â€Å"Abuse† is use that impairs an individual person’s ability to function. â€Å"Dependence† is physical withdraw, and centering one’s life around obtaining and using the substance (Kaye and David, 2014). Like a lot of populations those individuals who suffer from substance abuse have terms they are referred to that are offensive to them and their diseaseRead MoreDysthymia And Substance Abuse Within Adults And Treatments Used For Recovery1576 Words   |  7 PagesDysthymia and Substance Abuse within Adults and the Treatments Used for Recovery Dysthymia (recently categorized into a new disorder called Persistent Depressive Disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM – V)) is a mood disorder where an adult has depression that lasts for at least two years or longer. While moderately depressed, according to Butcher, Hooley, and Mineka (2014), a person must also have at least two or more symptoms to be diagnosed withRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among Older Adults Essay1317 Words   |  6 PagesI was surprised to hear that substance abuse is a growing epidemic among our elderly because when I think of the elderly I don’t think falling over on the floor drunk or sitting at a bar knocking drinks back. It really is an â€Å"invisible epidemic†. It was shocking to hear that because of insufficient knowledge, health care providers often overlook substance abuse among older adults and fail to diagnose them correctly. â€Å"Symptoms of substance abuse in older individuals sometimes mimic symptoms of otherRead 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