Title

Name

Date
Introduction

According to research from 2018, although illicit drug usage normally reduces after

young adulthood, approximately 1 million persons 65 and older live with a substance use

disorder (SUD). On one hand, as this population ages, the prevalence rates of substance use

disorder (SUD) have remained high, and both the proportions and actual numbers of older

persons in need of SUD treatment are anticipated to increase significantly. According to

projections, the number of people over 50 with SUD will rise from roughly 2.8 million in 2006

to 5.7 million in 2020 (Kuerbis et al. 2014).

In this essay, the following matters will be discussed, (1) application of the knowledge

gained from the article with regards to misuse of drugs and addiction to geriatric settings. (2)

using cognitive behavioral therapy to bring change to the society.

Discussion

Cannabis use is much more common than other drug use among older persons. In 2012,

4.6 million adults aged 50 and older reported using marijuana in the previous 12 months,

whereas fewer than a million said they had used cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens,

methamphetamine, or heroin. These rates align with those that previous research have shown

(Wu and Blazer, 2011). The prevalence rate of marijuana use among older persons may rise as

they use it to manage illness-associated side effects, perhaps encouraging an increase in

recreational use, as a result of the passing of medical marijuana legislation and laxer enforcement

of drug possession laws connected to marijuana. Short-term memory impairment, increased heart

rate, respiration rate, higher blood pressure, and a 4-fold increase in the risk of heart attack after

the first hour of marijuana usage are all recognized side effects of marijuana use (National

Institute of Drug Use, 2012).

 Following the study of Kuerbis et al. (2014), it was revealed that one of risk factors that

exacerbates misuse of drugs and addiction is social isolation. On one hand, social isolation is

also correlated to Mikhali, he stated that he felt he lacked connection from the people around

him, hence, loneliness and miserable life would kicked in, and that’s the time he will depend on

drugs. He also use it for recreation, or alleviation of his sadness, when he break up with his

girlfriend, he stated that instead of being lonely and having miserable night, he realized he could

be happy.

Having the knowledge on this risk factor, it can be versatile that social aspect of elders

should be one of the focus of care and intervention. In the study of Daley (2013) regarding social

problems and misuse of drugs and addiction, family can be a tool for the loved ones in recovery.

Care in Geriatric Setting

Since social issues are one of causal factor that worsen his situation. Correlating it on the

geriatric setting, following interventions can be made. World Health Organization created

intervention and strategies from individual to community level as well as policies that can be

taken into consideration. For individual level, (1) befriending is one intervention where someone

can lend a listening ear. Having an alternative friends who doesn’t urge in getting involved into

substances can alleviate. Rao et al. (2019) strongly exclaimed that this is an effective

intervention in elderly community. Narrative therapy or a concept which entails separation of the

individual to the problem in which it allows him/her to externalize the issues rather than

internalizing it. The study of Gardner and Poole (2009) revealed that narrative therapy gives

channel to the elders to see their potential and skills to further alleviate their issues through

separating it from them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently utilized in the fight against addiction.

People receiving treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) are taught how to use CBT to

make connections between their ideas, feelings, and behaviors and to become more conscious of

how these factors affect recovery. This conceptualization demonstrates how many detrimental

behaviors and feelings are illogical or irrational. These emotions and actions may be a result of

past traumas or environmental causes.

An automatic thought is based on impulse and frequently results from misconceptions

and internalized sentiments of self-doubt and dread. Cognitive behavioral therapists assist

persons in recovery to recognize their negative "automatic thoughts." Many times, people turn to

drug abuse as a form of self-medication for these distressing feelings and ideas. Approach of

CBT is (1) helping to dismiss false belief as well as insecurities which leads to misuse of drugs

and addiction, (2) managing triggers through (2.1) recognizing or identifying circumstances

which leads to misusage of drugs, (2.2) avoidance in those triggers whenever possible, (2.3)

records thought patterns for examination of negative thoughts to have an evaluation what they

are thinking. Lastly, (3) pleasant activity schedule such as fun activities as an alternative while

the individual is undergoing withdrawal symptoms of the addiction (McHugh et al. 2010).

Conclusion

Indeed, misuse of drugs and addiction have devastating effect in the lives of elders, social

aspect in an important component that preserves someone’s stability, hence it should be taken

into consideration when it comes to these matters. Family support, befriending, and narrative

therapy are one of effective interventions that can alleviate the situation in the geriatric setting.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one framework that has been utilized and found to be effective in

terms of addiction and misusage of drugs.

 References

Kuerbis, A. et al. (2014). Subtstance Abuse Among Elders. Clin Geriatric Med, 30(3), 629-654.

https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.cger.2014.04.008.

Wu, L. T. & Blazer, D. G. (2014). Illicit and nonmedical drug use among older adults: A review.

J Aging Health. 23(3), 481–504. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0898264310386224

National Institute on Drug Abuse (2012). Marijuana abuse. Bethesda. National Institute on Drug

Abuse. https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-drug-

abuse-nida

Daley, D. C. (2013). Family and social aspects of substance use disorders and treatment. J Food

Drug Anal, 21(4), 73-76. https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.jfda.2013.09.038

Rao, R. et al. (2019). Substance misuse in later life: challenges for primary care: a review of

policy and evidence. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 20, 117.

https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS1463423618000440

Gardner, P. J. & Poole, J. M. (2015). One Story at a Time: Narrative Therapy, Older Adults, and

Addiction. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 28(5).

https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464808330822

McHugh, R. K. et al. (2010). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders.

Psychiatric Clin North Amer, 33(3), 511-525.

https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.psc.2010.04.012