Gail Ferguson Jones
Gail Ferguson Jones
Episode 30: Boomers and the Risky Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Episode 30: Boomers and the Risky Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Episode 30: Boomers and the Risky Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Thursday 8th June 2023
Host Gail Ferguson Jones and Alexis Kuerbis discuss the rising trend of substance use among baby boomers, highlighting health risks and treatment options.
37 minutes
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Author:
Gail Ferguson Jones
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Get the buttons here!Baby Boomers' Substance Use: A Growing Concern
Episode Overview
- Baby boomers are continuing to use recreational drugs and drink far further into late adulthood than previous generations.
- Substance use among older adults includes the misuse of prescription drugs and the growing trend of marijuana use.
- The effects of substance use on aging bodies, including vulnerability and potential long-term cognitive impacts.
- Strategies for recognizing signs and engaging in open, respectful conversations with loved ones about their substance use.
- The potential implications of continued substance use on the health and well-being of older adults.
The reality is, as we age, we lose lean body mass, have more fat in our systems, leaving us more vulnerable when consuming substances such as alcohol. It's essential to recognize the signs and have open, respectful conversations with your loved ones about their substance use.
Ever thought about how the casual attitudes towards drugs and alcohol among baby boomers might be affecting their health today? In this episode of 'The Buttrfly Effect', host Gail Ferguson Jones sits down with Alexis Kuerbis, an Associate Professor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, to discuss this pressing issue.
Kuerbis's research focuses on vulnerable populations who misuse substances, and she brings her expertise to shed light on why baby boomers are continuing to use drugs and alcohol well into their later years. The conversation dives into the rising rates of accidental overdoses and alcohol-related deaths among this generation. One key factor? The misuse of prescription drugs for pain and other ailments, which is becoming increasingly common among seniors.
Kuerbis explains how physical changes in older adults make it harder for them to metabolize substances, leading to chronic illnesses and co-morbidity. But it's not all doom and gloom. The episode also covers the positive side—seniors who recognize they have a problem with substance use often respond well to treatment. Kuerbis shares practical advice on how families can spot signs of risky substance use in their older loved ones and initiate conversations that could lead to recovery.
Whether you're dealing with substance use yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by baby boomers. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction and aging.