Drug Dependency Geriatrics Flashcards
What are risk factor life transitions that can trigger dependency?
- Menopause
- Newly empty nest
- Approaching retirement
- New roles as caretaker
The elderly often abuse Drugs that are prescribed for:
Joint pain
Sleeping problems
Injuries from falls
What is the most commonly abused prescription?
Opioid analgesics
What CNS depressants are commonly abused?
Benzos and Barbiturates
What CNS stimulates are commonly abused?
Amphetamine and methylphenidate
What prescription and OTC medications are abused?
Opioids
Benzos
Alcohol
Sleeping preparations
What is the most commonly abused street drug?
Marijuana
What are three reasons benzos are prescribed to older adults?
Chronic anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances
Benzos exacerbate what chronic medical conditions
COPD and GERD
Benzos ____ length of stay and morbidity in hospitalized patients
Increases
Benzos have _____ rates of MVA and falls
Higher
Benzos have significant additive effect with what other sedative hypnotic drugs?
Opioids and alcohol
A prolonged half-life with benzos predisposes to ______ intoxication
Esay
What occurs after stopping use of benzos?
Withdrawal syndrome
Treatment for Benzo abuse
- Detoxification and withdrawal
- Appropriate therapy for psychiatric problems
- Long term addiction treatment
What should we do with patients on benzos that have less than two years left of life?
Remain on benzos but monitor dosages
Benzos are to be avoided for treatment of what three conditions?
Insomnia, agitation, delirium
What drugs are associated with causing the greatest number of medical problems?
Alcohol and tobacco
Alcohol abuse in elderly is a major medical and ______ problem
Psychiatric
A decline in liver and kidney function and use of alcohol among the elderly can cause what?
Unexplained elevations of liver enzymes indicate chronic alcohol abuse
Chronic Eldelry Alcoholism: Fatigue and weight loss can be caused by
Cirrhosis, heart disease, pancreatitis, pancreatic carcinoma
Chronic Eldelry Alcoholism can worsen what existing conditions
Diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver problems, memory problems
What are some effects to smoking cigarettes for the elderly
Greater chance at developing dementia
2-3 time the risk for developing cataracts
Reduced life expectancy
Who should be screened for alcohol and prescription drug abuse?
Every 60 year old
