Given these effects, the recognition of drug abuse among the elderly population is quite an important task. The recognition of these symptoms, however, is made more complicated by the fact that many members of the elderly population already take a number of prescription drugs. The symptoms of drug abuse also mimic those of many illnesses that are often associated with aging.
This makes the proper recognition and treatment of drug abuse even more critical.
Treatment options: availability and barriers
Substance abuse problems among the elderly are often missed, due to lack of recognition from the caregiver and an unwillingness of the patient and/or family members to discuss the problem. However, when such symptoms are recognized, it is vital for intervention to occur immediately.
Experts recommend that an elderly substance abuser be immediately brought to the hospital. As the patient experiences withdrawal from the drug or alcohol, confusion and behavior changes could result within 48 hours. The severity and length of this withdrawal process could be even longer, especially those who are suffering from dementia (Ondus 1999). Patients in withdrawal therefore present dangers to themselves and the people around them.
To manage withdrawal from prescription drugs, a physician could gradually taper the drug use, to help manage the withdrawal symptoms. The slow discontinuation could also help to prevent "rebound" symptoms like anxiety and insomnia (Blow 2003).
A graduated withdrawal is even more crucial for psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepine.
These medical procedures, however, are not enough. To manage the withdrawal symptoms, hasten recovery and prevent relapse, Benshoff et al. (2003) recommend that healthcare providers, the nursing staff and, when applicable, family members should strive to provide a supportive environment, especially at the treatment facility. This network of support will further encourage a patient to complete the program and work through the symptoms of withdrawal.
Primary caregivers and healthcare workers should also realize that many elderly patients might be resistant to seeking treatment for their substance abuse problems. Many elderly patients come from a generation that viewed substance abuse as a personal or moral failing....
Why Do the Elderly Turn to Alcohol and Drugs?Alcohol and substance use. (2022). U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/alcohol-use.html.This site maintains up-to-date statistics concerning the prevalence of alcohol and drug use among the elderly that will provide valuable background information about the severity of the problem at present for the proposed study.Best, D., Beckwith, M., Haslam, C., Alexander Haslam, S., Jetten, J., Mawson, E., & Lubman,
Demographic Information Jodi is a 22-year-old Hispanic female. She is a single mother but does not live with her daughter who enrolled in the foster care system. She completed her general educational development (GED) tests, but her Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program is still pending. Her past medical history indicates that she gave birth prematurely but has no known allergies. Assessment of Data Jodi became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter after
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