Question

What is the "invisible epidemic" among older adults in the United States?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has identified substance abuse among older adults as the "invisible epidemic" in the United States. The belief is that substance abuse often goes undetected in older adults, and there is concern about older adults who abuse not only illicit drugs but prescription drugs as well. Too often, screening questionnaires are not appropriate for older adults, and the consequences of alcohol abuse may erroneously be attributed to other medical or psychological conditions. Because of the dramatic increase in the number of older adults anticipated over the twenty-first century, substance abuse is likely to characterize an increasing number of older adults.


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