Alcohol and Drugs Elderly Usage

Why the Elderly Turn to Alcohol and Drugs

Selected Theories and Justification

This 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 how the elderly respond to different forms of substance exposure. Besides, it defines how they react to various circumstances that trigger substance abuse, such as levels of stress and depression. According to Bejda et al. (2021), there is a direct correlation between D personality and alcohol dependence. It determines how the elderly cope with emotions, anxiety, and stress. In a study conducted on 170 older men, a satisfaction life scale indicated that the older men are dissatisfied and have high-stress levels hence the power of personality effects. Some older men find it fit to engage in drugs and alcohol to fight these challenges.

Bejda et al. (2021) add that aging's psychological, social, and physiological effects contribute to alcohol usage. Multiple medical misdiagnoses have been attributed to alcohol effects on aging, such as malnutrition, cognitive impairment, and unsteady gait. The authors add those older adults often experience low economic and social status, high dependence, and loss of their loved ones. Consequently, they tend to engage in drinking alcohol. There are significant differences in how elderly adults respond to these challenges hence personality theory.

Lifespan development theory also backs the reasons for the elderly engaging in alcohol and drugs. The theory focuses on the series of changes in human life from birth to death. It gives the change in human anatomy and psychological, social, and physiological effects that determine how humans respond during a specific phase in life. According to Moran (2012), there has been a growing debate on the effects of aging on social impairment and understanding. Issues of cognitive abilities in lifespan development become conspicuous among older adults where numerous impairment cases become evident. Moran argues that during this phase of development, the mind becomes endangered. The quality of social interactions becomes compromised, exposing them to alcohol as an alternative path to comfort and consolation. In line with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2008), these effects increase with age, with younger people registering less dependence on alcohol compared to the elderly. The level of alcohol metabolism also changes with age hence creating a more significant effect on elderly adults resulting in increased dependence.

Similarities and Variations Emanating from Cultural Differences

The development and experiences of the elderly determine how they react to exposure to alcohol and drugs. In a culture that features pronounced alcohol and drug use cases, the aging population is likely to adopt a similar culture, increasing substance usage. Equally, in a culture that has minimal cases of elderly engaging in alcohol and drugs, the elderly adults are less likely to engage in the substances. It is essential to recognize that these cultural effects assume that the personality theory has minimal effects on the participants' behavior. In research conducted on elderly Dutch residentials, there is a general depressive culture among the elderly, which has impacted their vulnerability to alcohol (Steunenberg et al., 2008). It is also essential to note the variation in cognitive abilities from cultural differences. For instance, individuals with wide exposure to language are likely to register lower cognitive impairments than those with limited exposure (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019). A healthy brain is less impacted by aging, implying reduced chances of engaging in alcohol and drugs.

Ethical and Legal Considerations

In research involving the exposure to alcohol and drugs among elderly adults, there is the question of ethical consideration, particularly in data collection. Most of the instances are informed by clinical data, which is likely to compromise participants' morals of informed consent. More specifically, when adults engaging in alcohol and drugs fail to recognize the research context due to their state, this becomes a challenge for the researcher. Besides, when the data is shared from clinical sources without respect for participants, the study can witness legal challenges from human rights activists or relatives. There is also the validity of the research and how it can be generalized. The personality and lifespan development theories have different effects based on the demographics. For instance, research focusing on the Dutch population cannot be used to deduce the exposure on a global scale. Indeed, there are variations in development and behavioral responses (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019).

Further Evidence from the Annotated Bibliography

Older people are likely to restart using alcohol and drugs due to their situations that are often characterized by stigma. There are some stereotypes linked to individual personalities, and as they fight to reclaim their identity, they risk using alcohol and drugs (Best et al., 2016). The authors argue that elderly adults are sensitive to social pressure and cultural expectations. Any situation that makes them feel less fitting or unwanted increases the risk of them seeking alternative or escapism methods to run away from the social challenges. One of the common alternatives is engagement in alcohol and drugs. However, older adults who receive substantial societal support are less likely to engage in substance abuse. Opioid addiction is another proof of elderly exposure to substance abuse. Chiappini et al. (2021) argue a growing prescription to fight opioid addiction among the elderly. This age set experiences challenging situations that compel them to engage in alcohol and drugs.