Experiences of drug use and ageing: health, quality of life, relationship and service implications

Abstract

roe b., beynon c., pickering l. & duffy p. (2010)Experiences of drug use and ageing: health, quality of life, relationship and service implications. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(9), 1968–1979.AimThis paper is a report of an exploration of older people’s experiences of substance use in the context of ageing, and its impact on health, quality of life, relationships and service use.BackgroundUse of illicit drugs by older people is a neglected policy, research and service provision and is generally perceived as a lifestyle of younger populations.MethodA convenience sample of 11 people aged 49–61 years (mean 57 years) in contact with voluntary sector drug treatment services participated in qualitative semi-structured tape-recorded interviews and thematic content analysis was performed. The data were collected in 2008.FindingsDrug use can have negative impacts on health status, quality of life, family relationships and social networks that accrue with age. Participants were identified as early or later onset users of drugs due to the impact of life events and relationships. A range of substances had been used currently and throughout their lives, with no single gateway drug identified as a prelude to personal drug careers. Life review and reflection were common, in keeping with ageing populations, along with regret of ever having started to use drugs. Living alone and their accommodation made them more susceptible to social isolation, and they reported experiences of death and dying of their contemporaries and family members earlier than usual in the life course.ConclusionOlder people who continue to use drugs and require the support of services for treatment and care are an important emerging population and their specific needs should recognized.

Factores Determinantes para as Necessidades em Saúde das Pessoas Consumidoras de Drogas: Uma Revisão Bibliográfica

“…Os velhos utilizadores de droga têm uma morbilidade superior a população em geral (Hser et al citados por Roe, et al, 2010) e sofrem mais de isolamento social, stress e medo de ser vitimizados (Levy & Anderson, 2005).…”

“…Estudos (Roe, et al, 2010) demonstram problemas de saúde associados ao envelhecimento: circulatórios (tromboses venosas profundas, úlceras nos locais de punção), golpes, problemas respiratórios, diabetes, hepatite e cirrose, malnutrição, perda de peso, obesidade, mobilidade comprometida. Consequências na saúde mental, perda de memória, paranóia, mudanças de humor com ansiedade e fúria.…”

“…Às consequências negativas do uso de drogas, temos que acrescentar as consequências do próprio envelhecimento (Beynon, et al, 2007;Roe, et al, 2010). Os efeitos negativos manifestam-se na qualidade de vida, nas relações sociais, rede de apoio.…”

“…As conversas dos jovens sobre droga, roubos e vendedores não interessam aos mais velhos. São precisos serviços mais adaptados para atender as necessidades deste grupo vulnerável (Roe, et al, 2010) para promover a proximidade ao sistema de saúde (Aston, 2004;.…”

Health and social issues among older patients in opioid maintenance treatment in Norway

“…Results from literature and e-Labs indicated that mental health problems are common among the older OMT population (Dürsteler-MacFarland, Schmid, & Vogel, 2010;KOR-FOR, 2015;Roe, Beynon, Pickering, & Duffy, 2010;Rosen, Smith, & Reynolds, 2008). Individuals often suffer from memory loss, paranoia, changed mood or anger.…”