Drug Abuse Within The Elderly Population - 1135 Words

According to Center for Applied Research Solutions, the number of prescriptions written for controlled substances (those with an addictive quality) has increased more than 150% since 2008. Until recently, the social issue of drug abuse within the elderly population has not been widely understood or addressed. Because this is an issue affecting an ever-growing number of the country’s population, the focus of our practice based research project will be based primarily on the increasing number of older adults who are becoming addicted to prescription drugs. To define our terms more precisely we must first discuss who falls in the category of â€Å"older adult.† For this assignment, the term â€Å"older adult† can be defined as an individual who is 55 years or older (CDC, 2015). An individual is considered a senior citizen when they are permitted by the US government to apply for Medicare. We must also define the scope of prescription drug addiction. According to Mayo Clinic and the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, prescription drug abuse is defined as â€Å"the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor, such as for the feelings you get from the drug† (APA, 2013). As established by experts in the field, prescription drug abuse by older adults is known presently to be worsening in intensity. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, in a publication on their website entitled â€Å"Seniors and Drugs,† identifies theShow MoreRelatedSubstan ce Abuse Among The Elderly1473 Words   |  6 PagesAging-Related Statistics, 2000). The nation’s population will increase 18% during and the population aged 65 and older will increase 78% ( Wan, Sengupta, Velkoff, DeBarros, 2005). One growing concern within the elderly population is that of substance abuse as it pertains to the increasing numbers of substance abusers, and/or the increasing rates of substance abuse among the elderly population. A national public health concern is that the rate of elderly substance abuse will rise sharply as boomers enterRead MoreFunctions of a Nurse in Health Care1843 Words   |  7 Pages1. Pregnancy and drug abuse The drug abuse menace has been indicated to be one of the leading factors that negatively affect people at whatever stage of life right from the fetus stage to the fully grown baby and the adulthood. There were astonishing statistics from the 2008 and 2009 data that relates to the pregnant women and drug abuse. It is indicated that the drug abuse by pregnant women who are younger was higher than the elderly ones. The percentages of pregnant women between the ages ofRead MoreSubstance Abuse in Older Populations1147 Words   |  5 PagesThe issue of substance misuse and abuse among the elderly population is complex. The elderly rarely use alcohol or drugs to get high rather drug or alcohol use that begins after age 60 appears fundamentally different (Culberson Ziska 2008). The elderly sometimes turn to alcohol and drugs to alleviate the physical and psychological pain from the onslaught of medical and psychiatric illness, the loss of loved ones or social isolation (Culberson Ziska 2008). Elderly patients have a combination ofRead MoreManagement Concerns Of Corrections For Special Populations Essay1289 Words   |  6 Pages Management Concerns in Corrections for Special Populations Michelle Bergos Introduction to Corrections 140 September 25, 2016 Jason Skeens Abstract More often than not, if John Q. Public is asked the purpose or goals of our American correctional system the reply is incapacitation, retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation. However, what we are really asking for our corrections system to do is to secure and supervise the individuals cast out of society through the judicial process regardlessRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1668 Words   |  7 Pagesit we’ve seen greater longevity among America’s elder population. The number of Americans age 65 or older are living longer, in more comfort and in better health than ever before. However, not all American elders are living in good health. As our aging baby boomers live longer, a substantial and growing percentage of older adults misuse alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances (Bartel, Blow, Brockmann, 2005). In turn, substance abuse among the elder is generating major health concerns andRead MoreElderly Abuse Issues1420 Words   |  6 Pagesawarenes s on the issues facing the elderly population of 65 years and above (Sibbal Holroyd-Leduc, 2012). This paper will examine three contemporary challenges facing the cohort, including elderly abuse, dementia, and polypharmacy, while preventative strategies and recommendations addressing these issues will be offered. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines abuse towards seniors as, a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there isRead MoreDrug Abuse And The Social Problem957 Words   |  4 Pagessome time before it came to be â€Å"defined† as such. What is a drug abuse in the social problem? Drug abuse is desire to use more drug than enough or than what prescription of the doctor in order to be comfortable and stimulants at the end the user become addicted and hopeless. Drug can be used with any gender according the age in the different environment and location, such as Community, society, school, prison, groups and Home. Drugs abuse can be anything like cigarettes, alcohol and Cocaine, MarijuanaRead MoreThe Effects Of Alcohol And Tobacco On The Age Of Addiction981 Words   |  4 Pagesover work, obsession with sports or video games, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse. A person can end up with a drug addiction or alcohol addiction at any age. Younger people face different social pressures surrounding drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse is often related to negative experiences at some point during life. Researchers have found that abuse at any age can influence an individual s choice to turn to drugs or alcohol. Middle age and elderly deal with life changes such as divorce, loss or jobs,Read MoreThe Problem Of Senior Homelessness1360 Words   |  6 Pages Senior homelessness is at an all time high, and will only increase in the coming years with the continuous growth of the senior population. Recent upsurges in the elder population are mostly due to the demographic group of individuals born post-World War I I, known as the Baby Boom Generation. Between the years 2000 and 2010 a 31.5% increase of the population aged 45-64 (known as the older adult age range) reflects those born in this era. Being homeless, especially in these late years of life, causesRead MoreSubstance Abuse in the Elderly, Disabled, and LBGT Populations2316 Words   |  10 Pagessubstance abuse by examining populations that are often overlooked in addiction studies. Over the past several decades, many general studies have been done about the prevalence and effects of addiction. These studies often focus on risk factors, daily use and/or treatment, and information is gathered through polls and observations. Most of these studies, however, are nonspecific regarding social and cultural factors. I will focus on how addiction affects three vulnerable populations: the elderly, disabled