Special Populations in Substance Abuse: Older Adults, Adolescents, and Dual Diagnosis

What are the special populations mentioned in substance abuse treatment?

Older adults, adolescents, and individuals with dual diagnosis.

What are common substance use patterns in older adults?

Low rates of AUD (2-5% of men, 1% of women), low rates of illegal drug use, and use of medications such as sleeping meds, pain meds, tranquilizers, and barbiturates.

What medical problems can arise from decreased ability to metabolize alcohol in older adults?

Malnutrition, cirrhosis, bone demineralization, gastritis, poor memory, and decreased cognition.

What are the risks associated with alcohol use in older adults when combined with other medications?

Oversedation, respiratory depression, impaired cognition, and increased bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants.

What percentage of adolescents are involved in substance abuse?

One in four adolescents.

How does the age of onset of drug use affect adolescents?

The younger the age at onset, the greater the risk for significant interference in physical and psychological development.

What factors contribute to adolescents' vulnerability to substance abuse?

Underdeveloped executive functioning, egocentricity, poor impulse control, desire for peer identification, and a sense of omnipotence.

What are the risks of substance abuse in adolescents?

Accidental overdose, suicide, HIV/hepatitis, and negative effects on brain development.

What is dual diagnosis in the context of substance abuse?

Patients diagnosed with a serious psychiatric illness, such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, who also have a substance abuse problem.

What is a significant risk associated with self-medication in dual diagnosis patients?

Risk of overdose when combining alcohol or drugs with anxiolytics.

What are the key components of rehabilitation for substance abuse?

Abstinence, stress management, supportive groups, learning skills for addiction-free living, and family support.

What does the acronym HALT stand for in addiction recovery?

Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired—factors to identify and manage cravings.

What is the focus of rehabilitation in substance abuse treatment?

Focus on addiction itself rather than the reasons for addiction.

What is the purpose of confrontational groups in rehabilitation?

To point out defenses and negative behaviors, helping individuals face denial.

What is the 12-step recovery program's first step?

Admission: admitting powerlessness over alcohol and that life has become unmanageable.

What is the significance of family support in rehabilitation?

Essential for both the addict and family members to aid in recovery.

What is the goal of aftercare in substance abuse recovery?

To provide community support, including attending 90 meetings in 90 days and possibly requiring drug screens.

What is a common approach to interventions for substance abuse?

Confrontations designed to raise the bottom, helping the individual see and accept reality.

What is the role of a sponsor in the 12-step recovery program?

To provide guidance and support to individuals in recovery.

What is the importance of addressing relapse warning signs in rehabilitation?

To anticipate and manage high-risk factors for relapse, as it is likely to occur.

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used for in rehabilitation?

CBT is used to recognize maladaptive behaviors, learn to identify and correct problematic behavior, and enhance self-control and coping strategies.

What substances are commonly addressed in rehabilitation?

Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

What is the purpose of the mobile medical app reSET?

It delivers cognitive-behavioral therapy to increase abstinence.

What is the Matrix Model in addiction recovery?

A model used for recovery from stimulant addiction that includes education, support, and direction from trained therapists.

What does Contingency Management involve?

It provides tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviors, such as abstinence, through voucher-based reinforcement and prize incentives.

What is a key principle of effective treatment regarding addiction?

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior.

Why is it important for treatment to be readily available?

Earlier treatment leads to better results; if not readily available, patients may not receive help.

How long should individuals typically remain in treatment for effective recovery?

Most individuals need at least 3 months, as treatment is often a long-term process with potential relapses.

What role do behavioral therapies play in drug abuse treatment?

They are commonly used to motivate change, develop skills to resist use, and improve problem-solving abilities.

What is the significance of medically assisted detoxification?

It is only the first stage of addiction treatment and does little to change long-term drug abuse by itself.

What should treatment programs monitor continuously?

Drug use during treatment, as lapses can occur.

What is the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)?

An electronic database that tracks controlled substance prescriptions across all 50 states.

What is the purpose of Drug Take Back programs?

To provide authorized sites for the safe disposal of unused medications.

What are the characteristics of impaired professionals in healthcare?

They often start using substances as adults, continue to work while using, and may seek prescriptions for pain medications.

What behaviors might indicate a healthcare professional is impaired?

Excessive wasting of controlled medications, volunteering to administer pain meds, and frequent changes in attendance or appearance.

What is the Peer Assistance Program (PAP)?

A program that helps medical professionals get the help they need, including routine monitoring through drug screens.

What is the importance of documenting concerns about impaired professionals?

Documentation should be specific, clear, and objective to ensure proper reporting through the chain of command.

What are some indicators of substance abuse to teach in prevention programs?

Frequent illness, preoccupation with using, loss of control, mood swings, and financial problems.

What is the role of education in prevention strategies?

To teach about substance use and abuse, increase self-esteem, and inform adults about enabling behaviors.

How can rapid identification of substance abuse lead to better outcomes?

Rapid identification allows for rapid treatment, which can reduce complications associated with substance abuse.

What should treatment programs test patients for?

The presence of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

What is the significance of addressing co-occurring mental disorders in addiction treatment?

All issues must be addressed for successful recovery to occur, as many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.