Substance Abuse in the Elderly: Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

Robert C. Abrams and George S. AlexopoulosAuthors Info & Affiliations

Publication: Psychiatric Services

Volume 38, Number 12

https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.38.12.1285

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Abstract

Substance abuse, misuse, and dependence should be considered in the evaluation of every geriatric patient, including those who reside in nursing homes. Problems resulting from alcohol and prescription drugs may be particularly important in elderly patients who present with demenatia, depression, or both. A thorough substance use history and drug inventory should be taken in all cases. Hospitalization may be indicated for detoxification or gradual withdrawal from alcohol or a chronically used drug. Although there are few data on the treatment of prescription drug disorders, geriatric alcoholism has been successfully treated in settings that are sensitive to the needs of the elderly

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Psychiatric Services

Volume 38 • Number 12 • December 1987

Pages: 1285 - 1287

History

Published in print: December 1987

Published online: 1 April 2006

Authors

Affiliations

Robert C. Abrams

New York Hospital, Westchester Division, 20 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, New York 10605

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George S. Alexopoulos

New York Hospital, Westchester Division, 20 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, New York 10605

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Substance Abuse in the Elderly: Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

Abstract

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