Aging, multimorbidity, and substance use disorders: The growing case for integrating the principles of geriatric care and harm reduction

Given the unprecedented aging of many populations throughout the world, coupled with high rates of unhealthy substance use among baby boomers, we are at the cusp of an epidemic of older adults with a substance use disorder (SUD) (Han& Moore, 2018). Indeed, in many areas of the world, including Australia, Western Europe, and North America, an increasing number of older adults find themselves in substance use treatment, particularly for opioid use disorder (Carew& Comiskey, 2018). SUD management in this population is uniquely complicated because aging is associated with chronic medical conditions, an increase in prescription medications, and declines in function.
Source: International Journal of Drug Policy - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Viewpoint Source Type: research