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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 8 page paper discusses the problem of substance abuse in the elderly and why the problem often goes undetected. Furthermore, this paper reviews the many implications of drug abuse in the elderly population. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
8 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_GSElderl.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
than ever before. Substance abuse is a part of this tapestry and unfortunately is a problem which has received little attention and recognition. In order to start correcting the
problem, first it must be understood. The reasons why the elderly abuse alcohol, drugs and prescription medications are certainly varied, but the results are almost always devastating. Interestingly, older
people have much less tolerance for such substances than their younger counterparts, and therefore the risks of substance abuse for older adults is even more magnified. Substance Abuse and the
Elderly Often, the desire to find refuge is the impetus for substance abuse among the elderly population (Irons and Rosen, 2002).
Aging is often associated with loss, diminished physical capacity and increased dependence on others (Irons and Rosen, 2002). All of this can become overwhelming and very depressing for the
elderly who turn to substance abuse as a means of escape (Irons and Rosen, 2002). Some use this as merely a momentary escape while others come to rely on
the numbing effects on a regular basis (Irons and Rosen, 2002). The latter is what constitutes dependency (Irons and Rosen, 2002). It is extremely difficult to measure
the prevalence of substance abuse among the elderly as it often goes unrecognized (Irons and Rosen, 2002). However, alcoholism does indeed appear to be a significant problem according to
a variety of studies which have been conducted (Irons and Rosen, 2002). Furthermore, this problem is seen more often in men, while there is a greater tendency for women
to abuse psychoactive drugs than men (Irons and Rosen, 2002). "As older adults undergo life transitions or undertake stressful roles
...