Waubonsee Community College

Not as prescribed, recognizing and facing alcohol and drug misuse in older adults, Harry Haroutunian, MD ; foreword by Susan Ford Bales, daughter of Betty Ford

eng

Includes bibliographical references

no index present

non fiction

Not as prescribed

921870574

Harry Haroutunian, MD ; foreword by Susan Ford Bales, daughter of Betty Ford

recognizing and facing alcohol and drug misuse in older adults

"The older adult population is growing by leaps and bounds. Dramatic lifestyle changes, along with growing health problems, have led many to turn to alcohol, prescription painkillers and marijuana to medicate their physical and psychic pain. You may think, "Dad is just enjoying cocktails and retirement" or "Mom still has pain and needs her pills." Maybe so, but consider, an estimated 17% of people aged 60-plus struggle with substance misuse and addiction. Older adults are now hospitalized as often for alcohol-related problems as they are for heart attacks. In this book, Dr. Haroutunian, physician director at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, provides you with the vital information needed to understand the dynamics of addiction in older adults. You'll learn to: Clearly distinguish between the signs of aging and the signs of addiction, many of which overlap Identify the indications of drug misuse and its progression to addiction Understand the unique treatment needs of older adults Get the help you--as a caregiver or loved one--need to cope with your loved ones' addiction. This essential guide can help you transform a state of stress and chaos to a place of understanding and compassion"--, Provided by publisher"In this book, Dr. Haroutunian, physician director of the Licensed Health Professionals Program at the Betty Ford Center, provides you with the information needed to understand the dynamics of addiction in older adults. You'll learn to clearly distinguish between the signs of aging and the signs of addiction, many of which overlap; identify the indications of drug misuse and its progression to addiction; understand the unique treatment needs of older adults; and get the help you--as a caregiver or loved one--need to cope with your loved one's addiction"--, Provided by publisher

Introduction: Naming the problem -- Older adults in America: driven to drugs -- Aging, polypharmacy, or addiction? -- The truth about substance misuse, dementia, and other mental health disorders -- Legally crossing the line: painkillers, sedative-hypnotics, and marijuana -- Addiction: it's a disease -- Finding help: the older adult and treatment -- Getting an older adult to accept help -- Everyday a miracle -- Helping yourself -- Staying on track in recovery -- Killing pain safely -- Epilogue -- Spiritual life must come first