Considerations of prescription opioid abuse and misuse among older adults in West Virginia--An Under-Recognized Population at Risk.
Opioid abuse, misuse and overdose is now a public health epidemic receiving political, medical, and media attention at all levels. Despite the fact that many people know someone suffering from addiction, there is very little research focusing on this issue in older adults. Chronic pain, a highly prevalent affliction for the aging population, has been accompanied by a significant increase in opioid use. This, along with some unique aspects of older adults (increased susceptibility to illness, higher likelihood of altered presentation of illness, and impaired recovery), means that great care needs to be taken when considering opioids for treatment. Prudent prescribing is possible, but universal precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of opioid abuse, misuse, and addiction. This review provides education, summarizes current literature, and gives guidance in universal precautions for prescribing opioids.
Carl
C
Grey
P Bradley
PB
Hall
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014903:West Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid