This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Phillips, P. Articles by Katz, A. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Substance misuse in older adults: An emerging policy priority

University College London/Camden & Islington Mental Health NHS Trust

Anthony Katz, MB, ChB, MRCPsych

Camden & Islington Mental Health VHS Trust/University College London

Demographic trends suggest that substance misuse is increasing significantly in the general population and is becoming the most prevalent psychiatric disorder. As the current younger generation ages, there will be significant implications for the provision of general and mental healthcare to this population. The generation most closely associated with a massive increase of illicit drug use ('the baby boomers') is approaching what is considered to be old age. Defining what constitutes drug and alcohol use and misuse among older people remains fraught with difficulties because of the problem of determining what constitutes both old age and drug and alcohol misuse. The few studies that exist are difficult to compare owing to methodological inconsistencies. Against this background, the current research evidence is described, and recommendations are made for healthcare policy changes to accommodate the needs of this population

Key Words: Older people • Substance and alcohol use and misuse • Service and research priorities • Drug misuse policy

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?