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Review
. 2014 Aug;30(3):629-54.
doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2014.04.008. Epub 2014 Jun 12.

Substance abuse among older adults

Alexis Kuerbis  1 , Paul Sacco  2 , Dan G Blazer  3 , Alison A Moore  4
Affiliations
Review

Substance abuse among older adults

Alexis Kuerbis et al. Clin Geriatr Med. 2014 Aug.

Abstract

Although the myth that older adults do not use mood-altering substances persists, evidence suggests that substance use among older adults has been underidentified for decades. The baby boom generation is unique in its exposure to, attitudes toward, and prevalence of substance use-causing projected rates of substance use to increase over the next twenty years. Given their unique biological vulnerabilities and life stage, older adults who misuse substances require special attention. Prevalence rates of substance use and misuse among older adults, methods of screening and assessment unique to older adults, and treatment options for older adults are reviewed.

Keywords: Alcohol; Assessment; Assessment tools; Brief interventions; Older adults; Prescription medication; Substance use; Treatment.

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