Substance Abuse and the Elderly

psychoactive substance abuse

risk include social isolation, medical conditions, chronic pain, anxiety, and stress

accident

older adults are not looking to get high, but rather become dependent by _____________

cognitive impairment

stereotypes of older adults result in a diagnosis of _______________ instead of a substance use disorder

substance use disorder

involves impairment in work, school, or home obligations

substance use disorder

older adults = not working = impairments of the disorder would not be exhibited

prescription medications

prescribe benzodiazepines and opioids to older adults to deal with psychosocial and pain problems rather than prescribe alternatives to medication such as therapy

alcohol

older adults more sensitive bc of age-related decrease in ratio between lean body mass and fat

alcohol

liver enzymes that metabolize alcohol become less efficient with age and central nervous system sensitivity to drugs increase with age

Cannabis Use

negative effects include panic reactions, anxiety, perceptual distortions and exacerbation of mood and psychotic disorders

Cannabis

can provide benefit to the older adult with medical conditions

binge drink

defined as

5+ drinks on the same occasion for men

4+ drinks on the same occasion for women