Substance Use in Older Adults-View Presentation

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In a recent discussion on substance use in older adults, experts highlighted the growing concern over substance use disorders (SUDs) amongst this demographic. Dr. Art Woloszek, along with co-presenters Dr. Susan Lehman and Dr. Sandy Swantek, emphasized the issue's growing prevalence due to the aging population and shifting attitudes toward substances like alcohol and cannabis. The presenters noted a significant increase in substance use among older adults, particularly within the baby boomer generation, which has historically shown more permissive attitudes towards substance use.<br /><br />The speakers discussed various substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, and their increased use among older adults. They pointed out the compounding effects of substances in this age group, who often face additional risks like polypharmacy, cognitive impairment, and heightened medical comorbidities. Treatments that cater specifically to older populations are lacking, with only about a quarter of existing programs focused on them.<br /><br />Several screening tools and treatment strategies were suggested, including motivational interviewing and brief interventions. The presenters also covered the increased misuse of prescription medications and the risks associated with combining benzodiazepines and opioids, particularly in this age group.<br /><br />The discussion extended to the rise in cannabis use among older adults, often perceived as low-risk or beneficial despite limited evidence for its therapeutic effectiveness for mental disorders. The presenters emphasized the importance of personalized, nonjudgmental care to encourage behavior change and intervention in older adults struggling with substance use disorders.

Keywords

substance use disorders

older adults

aging population

alcohol

cannabis

baby boomer generation

polypharmacy

cognitive impairment

motivational interviewing

prescription medications

benzodiazepines

opioids

personalized care