Mary Woods
Mary Woods
Recognizing and Facing Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Older Adults
Recognizing and Facing Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Older Adults
Recognizing and Facing Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Older Adults
Monday 9th May 2016
Discover how aging affects addiction and get practical tips for supporting older adults struggling with substance misuse on 'One Hour AT A Time'.
56 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Compassionate
Thought-provoking
About this podcast
Author:
Mary Woods
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Trauma
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
471 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Addressing Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Older Adults: A Deep Dive
The livers and detoxification mechanisms in the older person's body are not as effective as the younger person, so they can't tolerate now what they were able to tolerate when they were younger, that's for sure.
Picture this: your elderly loved one starts acting differently, and you can't quite pinpoint why. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods tackles a pressing yet often overlooked issue—substance misuse among older adults. Joined by experts Nancy Caralla and Dr. Chandan N. Ghosh, Mary unpacks the complexities surrounding addiction in the aging population. Did you know that around 12 percent of people aged sixty-five and older take ten or more medications weekly?
This phenomenon, known as polypharmacy, can lead to severe health problems, from dementia to even death. The episode covers a range of crucial topics, including the difference between aging symptoms and addiction, how certain medications can mimic dementia, and why some older adults turn to drugs and alcohol. They also delve into the nuances between misuse and addiction, and the alarming relationship between prescription painkillers and dependency.
Practical tips are shared for caregivers on how to talk to doctors about medication needs and proper usage. This episode is a must-listen for anyone caring for an older adult or anyone interested in understanding the unique challenges faced by this age group. With expert insights and actionable advice, it offers a compassionate look at how to support older loved ones through these complex issues.