An Update on Drug Dependence in the Elderly

The present status of drug abuse patterns among the elderly is complex. As we learn more about drug dependence, stereotyped ideas have given way to the realization that medical, psychiatric, environmental and socioeconomic factors play a major role in the way drugs are perceived and misused by the e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of drug issues 1979-01, Vol.9 (1), p.47-54
Main Author: Pascarelli, Emil F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult abuse & neglect
Aging
Alcohol abuse
Alcoholism
Drug abuse
Drug addiction
Marijuana
Medicine
Methadone
Narcotics
Older people
Opioids
Psychiatry
Socioeconomic factors
Stereotypes
Substance abuse
Substance abuse treatment
Youth culture
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Summary:The present status of drug abuse patterns among the elderly is complex. As we learn more about drug dependence, stereotyped ideas have given way to the realization that medical, psychiatric, environmental and socioeconomic factors play a major role in the way drugs are perceived and misused by the elderly. While opiates use persists, many elderly are now in methadone treatment programs where the median age continues to rise. Presently the principal drugs of abuse for the aged are in the category of depressants including alcohol. Mixed drug use is particularly hazardous. Hallucinogens, marijuana and stimulants are primarily drugs of the youth culture.
ISSN:0022-0426
1945-1369
DOI:10.1177/002204267900900104