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5%, and 7% of patients had an alcohol-related discharge diagnosis (Ganry, Joly, Queval, & Dubreuil, 2002). Both studies indicate alcohol abuse in elderly populations, however additional studies are needed to examine the general nature of the problem.
Alcohol abuse is not the only misdiagnosed and mistreated diagnosis suffered by the elderly. There is also growing concern regarding drug use, notably prescription drug use. The elderly is considered one of the highest-risk groups for prescription drug abuse, including the abuse of sedatives and anti-anxiety medications (Jinks, & Raschko, 1990). The rate of abuse of prescription drugs is indicated at a greater rate than alcohol due to over-medication and self-medication for chronic illnesses (D'Archangelo, 1993). Risk factors for drug abuse are similar to alcohol abuse, and include living situation, martial status, and illness, among other factors. Addressing abuse of both drugs and alcohol abuse in the geriatric population needs to become an essential part of health assessment to provide these individuals with adequate care.
Alcohol abuse is a significant medical problem that is capable of affecting any individual regardless of age. Elderly individuals who abuse alcohol are considered the hidden population due to their symptoms mimicking the similar symptoms of aging, which often leads to misdiagnosis. Elderly individuals can misuse alcohol as a means to emotionally cope and manage pain. Risk factors for excessive alcohol use include loneliness, retirement, death and loss, poor health and chronic discomfort. These risk factors are consequences of aging and often leave symptoms of alcoholism to be undetected. Family members can also be ashamed to address the issue, and the elderly can be less willing to seek treatment. This rapidly growing age group will inevitably increase incidence of alcohol abuse, and increase the need for treatment. There is also more concern with the baby-boom generation, as these individuals are potentially more willing to use drugs and alcohol. Although some case studies have been performed, large-scale research projects are needed to quantify the number...
Equally concerning to alcohol abuse is the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. The patterns of substance abuse cannot continue to be ignored as the hidden elderly population can soon be faced with alcohol abuse rates of epidemic proportions.
References
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Benshoff, J, Harrawood, L, & Koch, D. (2003). Substance abuse and the elderly: unique issues and concerns. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(2), 43-48.
Bercsi, S, Brickner, P, & Saha, D. (1993). Alcohol use and abuse in the frail, homebound elderly:
Brody, J. (1980). The aging and alcohol abuse. Proceedings of the White house conference on aging (pp. 1-13). Bethesda, MD: http://eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED215281.pdf.
Smith, W. Alcohol abuse and the elderly: the hidden population. Retrieved from http://www.calrehabguide.com/articles/alcohol/Alcohol-Abuse-and-the-Elderly-The-Hidden-Population.86.html
Substance abuse among the elderly: a growing problem. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/ade60220.page
Benshoff, John J. & Laura K. Harrawood, Darwin Shane Koch. (Apr-May 2003) "Substance abuse and the elderly: unique issues and concerns." Journal of Rehabilitation. Journal article retrieved from Find Articles Health & Fitness database on 25 Oct 2005 athttp://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0825/is_2_69/ai This article by John J. Benshoff, Laura K. Harrawood, and Darwin Shane Koch entitled "Substance abuse and the elderly: unique issues and concerns," attempts to understand why alcohol abuse amongst the elderly
Many experience depressions and sudden mood swings. The abuse of drugs -- prescription or illegal -- can also lead to disorientation, memory loss and having new difficulties in making decisions (Blow 2003). 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
Why the Elderly Turn to Alcohol and DrugsSelected Theories and JustificationThis paper uses personality and lifespan development theories to examine why the elderly engage in alcohol and drugs. In this context, personality theory defines the characteristics of elderly adults and how they influence the possibility of them engaging in alcohol and drugs. Of the two, personality theory takes the larger part of the arguments primarily because individual characteristics directly affect
For example, Edna's color palate changes and the media she uses changes regularly, often revealing her state of mind before she is aware of it herself. Art has been one of Edna's main sources of stability. Edna appreciates her solitude. Even though she and her husband have always had a lot of friends, Edna prefers to be alone and frequently spends all day in her art studio, which is
Additionally stated is that substance abuse treatment admission rates among adults aged 55 or older "tended to be highest in northern and northeaster states...in 1999. (Reach of Louisville, SIG, 2009 ) It is reported that study findings have demonstrated that the most benefit from counseling and treatment for substance abuse is that which elderly people "may derive most benefit from..." (Reach of Louisville, SIG, 2009 ) X. Case Study Review The
Q4. Participants at treatment facilities might be disproportionately affluent and white, given that historically, individuals of color suffering from addictions have more often been relegated to prisons, rather than received support and assistance. Public as well as private treatment facilities may need to be compared, to ensure a more representative sampling. Part B: Article: Benshoff, John J., Laura K. Harrawood, & Darwin Shane Koch. (2003, April-June). Substance abuse and the elderly: unique issues and