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Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
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[When addiction is revealed in old age]
1Service de psychologie médicale et de psychiatrie de liaison, Hôpital de la cavale blanche, Bd Tanguy Prigent, 29609 Brest cedex, France.
Soins. Gerontologie
|February 23, 2017
Summary
Late-onset addiction in older adults is often missed, delaying care. Encouraging change through open communication and behavioral analysis can improve outcomes for seniors facing substance use disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Societal perceptions of old age may not reflect the reality of late-onset addiction.
- Substance use disorders in older adults are frequently diagnosed late due to misperceptions or lack of awareness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating late-onset addiction.
- To emphasize the importance of therapeutic interventions for older adults with addiction.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on late-onset addiction.
- Analysis of factors contributing to delayed diagnosis.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies for behavioral change.
Main Results:
- Addiction in older adults is often discovered incidentally, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation.
- Misconceptions about aging and addiction contribute to underdiagnosis.
- Therapeutic approaches focusing on expression, listening, and behavioral analysis can foster a desire for change.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding addiction in older populations is crucial.
- Early identification and intervention are vital for effective treatment of late-onset substance use disorders.
- Psychosocial interventions are effective in supporting behavioral change and recovery in elderly individuals.
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