The social context of substance use among older adults: Implications for nursing practice PMC

Rather, health care providers should presume that there may be an underlying cause, such as substance use, that may need to be addressed. In these ways, health care providers can challenge and question societal assumptions about ageing, substance use, and the connections between them. They should also question the language they are using when addressing older https://ecosoberhouse.com/ adults who are living with problematic substance use issues. Questioning of one’s own practice is a significant and important step in helping move health care practice towards being equity based and holistic. Elevated levels of adverse mental health conditions, substance use, and suicidal ideation were reported by adults in the United States in June 2020.

In a survey completed by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, 75% of doctors expressed concern about the treatment of older adults, stating that older people were less likely to be considered for essential treatments or specialist care (Davies, 2011); this issue is one of international proportions. Dominant sociopolitical values create structural conditions, or broad structures and beliefs in society, that shape life opportunities, access to resources, and societal positioning. For example, the relationship between comorbid health conditions and substance use among older adults has been relatively understudied (Millar, Starks, Gurung, & Parsons, 2017). Older adults make up a large percentage of hospitalized inpatients; they have a high burden of comorbid health conditions and mental health issues, for which problematic substance use is usually ruled out as a cause. However, older adults may be wrongfully diagnosed with cognitive impairment or aggressive violent behaviour without assessing the root causes of these behaviours. Because substance use may more likely affect younger age groups, the older adult population is not usually the focus of conversations around problematic substance use and thus may not get the care they require, often leading to age discrimination.

Early- and Late-Onset Substance Misuse

The older adult population is growing faster in the U.S. than are younger populations. Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to violence perpetrated by a caregiver or someone they trust. More research is needed to uncover the causes for, and solutions to, violence against older adults. “Alcohol use disorders and current pharma[…]e of GABAA receptors.” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 2014. Barb’s group counseling at the older adult program includes focused topic groups for older adults, relapse prevention coping skills groups, and a DBT group.

Actively linking clients to available mutual-help groups, and supporting them in trying different groups so that they can find the one that best fits their needs. Urging them to participate in mutual-help groups (e.g., Al-Anon, caregiver support groups). Reinforce positive change substance abuse in older adults (e.g., praising steps to reduce or stop alcohol use). Match the referral to treatment with your clients’ stated goals, treatment needs, problem severity and available resources. Having a respectful and joint conversation about behavior change based on clients’ stated goals.

Medical Marijuana

Some research suggests that e-cigarettes might be less harmful than cigarettes when people who regularly smoke switch to vaping as a complete replacement. However, research on this is mixed, and the FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. There is also evidence that many people continue to use both delivery systems to inhale nicotine, which is a highly addictive drug. Here are a few key factors contributing to the growing substance abuse problem among seniors. Compared with women, men had higher rates of both nonfatal assaults and homicides.