Not as Prescribed

Provides the information needed to understand the dynamics of addiction in older adults. It covers how to distinguish between the signs of aging and the signs of addiction; identify the indications of drug misuse and its progression to addiction; and understand the unique treatment needs of older adults.

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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 psychological pain. You may think, Dad is just enjoying cocktails and retirement, or Mom still has pain and needs her pills. Maybe so, but consider that an estimated 17 percent of people age sixty and older 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 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 toclearly distinguish between the signs of aging and the signs of addiction, many of which overlapidentify the indications of drug misuse and its progression to addictionunderstand the unique treatment needs of older adultsget the help you-as a caregiver or loved one-need to cope with your loved one's addictionThis essential guide can help you transform stress and chaos into understanding and compassion.