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Common substance use disorders in older adults
Lynsey Seim1, Priyanka Vijapura1, Sandeep Pagali2
1Division of Hospital Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Hospital Practice (1995)
|February 20, 2020
Summary
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are rising in older adults, particularly alcohol and prescription drug misuse. Early screening and interventions are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Substance use disorder (SUD) prevalence is increasing in the aging baby boomer generation.
- Alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs are leading causes of SUD in older adults.
- Older adults are uniquely susceptible to substance effects due to physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing concern of substance use disorders in the elderly population.
- To identify the primary substances involved in older adult SUDs.
- To emphasize the challenges in diagnosing SUDs in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on substance use disorders in older adults.
- Analysis of prevalence data for alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges including medical comorbidity and cognitive impairment.
Main Results:
- Alcohol use disorder is the most common SUD in older adults.
- Prescription opioid and benzodiazepine misuse are the second leading causes of SUD.
- Illicit drug use is also on the rise among older individuals.
- Diagnosis is complicated by overlapping symptoms with other age-related conditions.
Conclusions:
- Substance use disorders in older adults require specific recognition and management strategies.
- Screening and assessment are essential for early detection.
- A combination of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions should be considered for treatment.
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