Late Onset of Prescription Drug Abuse or Dependence Among Older Adults

Implications for Treatment

Bibliographic Data

ID2501307
AuthorsKathy Lay (0000-0002-3543-2669, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, corresponding author), Lucy Jane King (0000-0002-9205-481X, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis)
Year2007
Volume8
Issue2
Pages264-274
Publication date2007-11-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAdvances in Social Work (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1527-8565 • E-ISSN: 2331-4125
PublisherIUPUI University Library (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.18060/205
OpenAlexW2123415648
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited6

Prescription drug abuse and dependence is an increasing concern for older adults. This article describes issues specific to older adults with late onset abuse or dependence on prescription sedatives and/or opiates.The older adult with late onset should not be viewed as having the same issues as individuals who have a life pat- tern of drug and alcohol abuse/dependence.A chart review of older adults in a treatment program contrasts late onset prescription dependence clients (n=12) and early onset addiction clients (n=104) and outlines differences and similarities between the two samples. Social workers need to understand the specific and changing needs of older adults as they relate to assessment and treatment of drug abuse and dependence

Addiction · Age of onset · Alcohol · Alcohol dependence · Disease · Drug · Medical prescription · Prescription drug · Psychiatry · Substance abuse · Alcoholism and Thiamine Deficiency · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Psychology · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes