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Bidirectional relationships between pain and alcohol use among older adults: a scoping review
Lisa R Larowe1,2, Heily Chavez Granados1, Lisa L Philpotts3
1Mongan Institute Center for Aging and Serious Illness, Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
Background:
Pain and alcohol use are highly prevalent and frequently co-occur among older adults. An established reciprocal model suggests that pain and alcohol use interact in the manner of a positive feedback loop. However, older adults have been underrepresented in this work.
Methods:
We conducted a scoping review to answer the following research questions: (a) What is known regarding the effects of alcohol use on pain among older adults? and (b) What is known regarding the effects of pain on alcohol use among older adults?
Results:
A total of 15 studies describing interrelationships between pain and alcohol use among older adults were identified and described in this review.
Conclusions:
Findings provided convergent evidence that pain can motivate alcohol use in older adults. The effects of alcohol use on longer-term pain outcomes are less clear in this population. Major gaps and directions for future research are described.
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