scholarly journals Drug misuse in older people: old problems and new challenges

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 421-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vellingiri Raja Badrakalimuthu ◽  
Daphne Rumball ◽  
Ajay Wagle
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Diagnostic Ability ◽  
The People ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Training ◽  
The Invisible

SummaryVery little attention has been paid to the invisible epidemic of substance misuse among older people in the UK. This article looks at the prevalence of substance misuse in the people over the age of 60. The reasons for difficulty in diagnosing substance misuse are explored and ways to improve diagnostic ability are discussed. Substance misuse leads to severe physical and psychiatric morbidity that is being managed by meagre resources. The article provides recommendations on specific issues related to interventions, biological and psychosocial, and training of psychiatrists.

Substance misuse and dependence: older people deserve better services

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana B Crome ◽  
Ed Day
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Available Information

It is not easy to establish with any confidence the prevalence of drug misuse in older people. The issue is confounded by variations in definition of what constitutes ‘elderly’ and ‘drug misuse’, and by the types of sample used (Tables 1 and 2). There are few large-scale studies in the UK, and much of the information has been extrapolated from the American findings. The available information can be organized into four main areas:

scholarly journals Commentary

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-40
Author(s):  
Roch Cantwell
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Information Gathering ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Tabloid Journalism ◽  
Timely Reminder

In the sometimes sensational world of illicit drug reportage, there is one unsung villain. While heroin misuse remains the bête noir of tabloid journalism, ecstasy the demon of the dance floors and cocaine caricatured as the choice of the rich and famous, amphetamine misuse has lurked the shadows. Its use defies such simple categorisation and spans several groups in society. Bruce has provided a timely reminder of this neglected area in substance misuse literature and, in the process, has highlighted the relevance of basic information gathering as the most important tool in the armamentorium of drug misuse workers. The lack of prominence given to what they describe as a “hidden epidemic” is striking. Could this be because amphetamine misuse is a less prevalent problem than that of other illicit drugs? Evidence suggests otherwise. Amphetamine is the second most common illicit drug seized in the UK (after cannabis). It is easily produced and used in a variety of modes, and recent research confirms a high prevalence of misuse in this country reflecting that found in North American and Australian literature.

Problems due to use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances

Psychiatry ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca McKnight ◽  
Jonathan Price ◽  
John Geddes
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Victorian England ◽  
True Incidence ◽  
Medicinal Use ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk

Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that for at least the past 10,000 years humans have been using psychoactive substances. From the chewing of coca leaves in Ancient Peru (c.4000– 3000 bce) to the popular use of laudanum in Victorian England, the recreational, cultural, and medicinal use of ‘mind- altering’ substances has been widespread. As of 2016, alcohol and other psychoactive substances remain a leading cause of medical and social problems world­wide: humans are clearly vulnerable to their attrac­tion. Although a myriad of substances are available, only a few are commonly used, and all tend to produce similar harms upon the individual and society. This chapter will provide a general approach to managing a patient presenting with a problem stemming from substance misuse. It is extremely difficult to gather accurate data on the use of substances in the general population, especially if they are illegal. It is therefore likely that most figures are underestimations of the true incidence. The WHO estimates that tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs are a factor in 12.4 per cent of all deaths worldwide. This is a stark reminder of the severity that problems associated with substance usage can reach, but the morbidity sur­rounding them affects a much wider section of society. In the UK, 80 per cent of adults drink alcohol, 19 per cent smoke tobacco, and 30 per cent admit to having used an illegal drug at least once in their lifetime. Worldwide, the highest prevalence of drug misuse is found in the 16- to 30- year age group, with males outnumbering females at a ratio of 4 to 1. Table 29.1 shows a selection of epidemiological figures associ­ated with commonly used substances. Substance misuse is associated with an array of con­fusing terminology, the majority describing different disorders that may occur due to use of any substance. The following terms are internationally agreed and ap­pear in major classification systems:… ● Intoxication is the direct psychological and physical effects of the substance that are dose dependent and time limited. They are individual to the substance and typically include both pleasurable and unpleasant symptoms.

scholarly journals Psychiatric morbidity and socio-occupational dysfunction in residents of a drug rehabilitation centre: challenges of substance misuse management in a Bruneian context

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 213-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilda Ho ◽  
Anddy Maz Adanan ◽  
Radiah Omar
Keyword(s):  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Psychiatric Clinic ◽  
Drug Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Centre ◽  
Self Reporting Questionnaire ◽  
Occupational Dysfunction

Aims and methodIn 2011, a psychiatric clinic was started in Pusat Al-Islah, a drug rehabilitation centre. Our aim was to record self-reported socio-occupational dysfunction and patterns of drug misuse and to evaluate the usefulness of a psychiatric screening tool. A two-phased approach using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to examine the rates of psychiatric diagnoses.ResultsMethamphetamine was the most commonly misused substance in 94.5% of residents. High levels of socio-occupational dysfunction were reported. In total, 5.5% met criteria for major depressive disorder, 4.8% for lifetime psychotic disorder and 11.5% for suicidal ideation. In addition, 13.3% reported previous untreated mental health problems.Clinical implicationsA screening tool such as the SRQ can be used to identify those needing further psychiatric assessment. Interventions to address amphetamine misuse and associated socio-occupational dysfunction are required. Societal views and legislation influence the management of substance misuse problems in Brunei.

scholarly journals The Destructive Capacity of Drug Abuse: An Overview Exploring the Harmful Potential of Drug Abuse Both to the Individual and to Society

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Peter Fox ◽  
Govind Oliver ◽  
Sophie Marie Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Crack Cocaine ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Western World ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk

From a public health perspective, substance abuse has long been a source of major concern, both for the individual’s health and for wider society as a whole. The UK has the highest rates of recorded illegal drug misuse in the western world. In particular, it has comparatively high rates of heroin and crack cocaine use. Substances that are considered harmful are strictly regulated according to a classification system that takes into account the harms and risks of taking each drug (see the tables) (Nutt et al. (2007)). The adverse effects of drug abuse can be thought of in three parts that together determine the overall harm in taking it: (1) the direct physical harm of the substance to the individual user, (2) the tendency of the drug to induce dependence, and (3) the effect of abuse of the drug on families, communities, and society (Gable (2004, 1993)). In this report, we discuss published evidence relating to the harm of substance misuse and consider the neuropsychopharmacological mechanisms behind addiction in an attempt to gain an improved picture of the potential devastation that abuse of these substances may evoke.

Young people and substance misuse

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 601-607
Author(s):  
Irene Hernandez Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Mental Performance ◽  
Illegal Drug Use ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Drunk Alcohol

In the UK in 2017, 9% of pupils aged 11–15 reported having drunk alcohol in the previous week, which is the lowest rate since the 1980s. Illegal drug use in the previous year reported by 15-year olds halved between 2001 and 2014. Despite these promising figures, adolescence is deemed to be decisive for future biopsychosocial development and performance. Initiation during adolescence may therefore have long-term implications, affecting mental performance and educational outcomes. This article focuses on patterns of drug misuse in teenagers. The warning signs of drug misuse and useful assessment tools are also introduced. For the purposes of this article, alcohol will be defined as a drug.

Addressing substance misuse in medium secure settings in the UK and Ireland – a survey of current practice

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Sandbrook ◽  
Tom Clark ◽  
Karen Amanda Cocksedge
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
National Guidance ◽  
Training Unit ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Rates of co-morbid substance misuse are high within forensic populations. Addressing these problems should be a priority as mental disorder with co-morbid substance misuse is associated with worse outcomes, including rates of re-offending and violence recidivism. A study undertaken in 2006 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Research and Training Unit concluded that the provision of substance misuse treatments in medium-secure units (MSUs) at that time was inadequate. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how services may have developed since then to inform discussion over future development and best practice. Design/methodology/approach – A postal survey, supported by the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services, was sent to 62 MSUs across the UK and Ireland. This questioned prevalence, interventions and staff training in substance misuse. Findings – In total, 41 units responded (66 per cent). The data suggest rates of substance misuse within MSUs have reduced and provision of treatment has increased in recent years. The majority of MSUs provide a variety of interventions to address substance misuse and are internally resourced, in tune with current national guidance. However, the data suggest many MSU staff are not receiving adequate training in substance misuse treatments and some MSUs do not appear to have a cohesive strategy that would be consistent with best practice. Practical implications – This study provides an up-to-date overview of the provision of treatment for substance misuse within MSUs. Originality/value – There is no other source for this information, which will provide an invaluable reference point for services seeking to develop or improve their clinical services.

Multiple Exclusion Homelessness in the UK: Key Patterns and Intersections

2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Fitzpatrick ◽  
Sarah Johnsen ◽  
Michael White
Keyword(s):  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
The Uk ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Personal Trauma ◽  
Very High ◽  
Prevalent Form

This article presents preliminary results from a multi-stage quantitative study of ‘multiple exclusion homelessness’ (MEH) in seven urban locations across the UK. It demonstrates a very high degree of overlap between a range of experiences associated with ‘deep social exclusion’ – namely, homelessness, substance misuse, institutional care and ‘street culture’ activities (such as begging and street drinking). It also provides evidence to support the contention that homelessness is a particularly prevalent form of exclusion, with its experience reported as widespread by those accessing low threshold support services targeted at other dimensions of deep exclusion, such as drug misuse. Further, the analysis presented indicates that the nature of MEH varies geographically, with the profile of the population affected looking quite different in Westminster (London) than in the other urban locations. The main explanation for this appears to be the exceptionally high proportion of migrants in the MEH population in Westminster, who tend to report lower overall levels of personal trauma and vulnerability than the indigenous MEH population.

Alcohol and substance misuse

2020 ◽  
pp. 713-734
Author(s):  
Tony Rao ◽  
Katy A. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Prescription Drug Misuse ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
To Come

Older people now represent a group at highest risk of rising substance misuse. This applies to alcohol as well as both illicit and prescription drugs. It is a trend that is likely to continue for decades to come, during which time we expect to see further increases in rates of illicit and prescription drug misuse. These problems are likely to pose a considerable burden on public health and clinical services, the problems being compounded by comorbid mental and physical disorders, polypharmacy and psychosocial problems such as retirement, loneliness, and bereavement. There is considerable scope for education and workforce development to improve screening and assessment, as well as exploring barriers to entering treatment, treatment options, and factors to promote recovery. Given the limited evidence base for treatment of substance misuse in older people, there is a pressing need for further research through both observational and analytical studies.

SELF-HARM IN ADOLESCENCE

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Remus Runcan ◽  
Patricia Luciana Runcan ◽  
Cosmin Goian ◽  
Bogdan Nadolu ◽  
Mihaela Gavrilă Ardelean
Keyword(s):  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Deliberate Self Harm ◽  
The People ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

This study provides the synonyms for the terms deliberate self-harm and self-destructive behaviour, together with a psychological portrait of self-harming adolescents, the consequence of self-harm, the purpose of self-harm, and the forms of self-harm. It also presents the results of a survey regarding the prevalence of people with non-suicidal self-harming behaviour, the gender of people with non-suicidal self-harming behaviour, the age of the first non-suicidal self-harming behaviour in these people, the frequency of non-suicidal self-harming behaviour in these people, the association of the non-suicidal self-harming behaviour with substance misuse in these people, the relationships of the people with non-suicidal self-harming behaviour with their fathers, mothers, and siblings, the relationships of the people with non-suicidal self-harming behaviour with their friends, the possible causes of self-harming behaviour in these people, and the relationship of people with non-suicidal self-harming behaviour with religion. Some of the results confirmed literature results, while others shed a new light on other aspects related to people with non-suicidal self-harming behaviour

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