Chemical Dependency of Older Adults Outline: Chemical dependency of older adults Problem statement: The issue of substance abuse among older adults is often overlooked. The symptoms of these problems are often mistaken for other mental health disorders like dementia and depression (Pagliaro, 2022). Types of substance abuse: alcohol, marijuana, and psychotherapeutic drugs Alcohol abuse Types of alcohol abuse:
Early-onset o Individuals use alcohol to escape their problems.
Binge drinking – continuous drinking of alcohol to the point of losing
Late-onset- drinking alcohol during late stages of life due to social problems
Continuous drinking – This problem is typified by heavy drinking for an extended period
Medication misuse
Over-the-counter and prescription medications misuse is higher among people 65 and older than in other age groups (Florida Department of Children and Families, n.d.).
Psychoactive drugs constitute the most abused medications
Taking multiple medications with counteractive effects could lead to medication misuse
Risk factors
Some older adults combine alcohol with prescriptive drugs