title: [Substance abuse in older adults].
abstract: In respect of demographic change, the number of older patients with substance abuse and addiction is on the raise. In this review we present important clinical and therapeutic aspects of substance abuse and addiction in the elderly and focus on alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioids. Daily and risky alcohol consumption is common among older people. They also have an increased risk getting alcohol-related complications. For early detection, laboratory parameters and questionnaires such as the AUDIT-C are suitable. Therapeutically brief interventions have been proved successful. Also, abuse of benzodiazepines, especially low-dose addiction, is widespread among older persons, although often overlooked, and patients often do not recognize their addiction. The physician has to know the correct indication, adequate dosage and pharmacological interactions. A slow-dose reduction is recommended in case of addiction. Thanks to opioid substitution therapy, patients with an opioidaddiction can reach a higher age. Age influences the effects of the substitute, which may require an adjustment of the dosage. Treatment of elderly patients should be based on their needs and resources and is usually very effective.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Zentrum für Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich.
authors.forename: Raoul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bitar
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Zentrum für Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich und Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel.
authors.forename: Kenneth M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Dürsteler
authors.affiliation: Forel Klinik, Ellikon an der Thur.
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rösner
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Abhängiges Verhalten und Suchtmedizin, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grosshans
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Zentrum für Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich.
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Herdener
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Zentrum für Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich.
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mutschler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008403:Mass Screening; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011157:Population Dynamics; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines
keywords: Abhängigkeit; Alkohol; Alter; Benzodiazepine; Opioide; Sucht; addiction; age; alcohol; alcool; benzodiazepines; benzodiazépines; dependence; dépendance; opioids; opioïdes; âge