Use of alcohol and drugs with addiction potential among older women and men in a population-based study. The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 2006-2008 (HUNT3)

Abstract

BackgroundLittle is known about the consumption habits of older adults in Norway with respect to alcohol and the use of drugs with addiction potential, such as benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics and opioids, among regular drinkers. We studied the prevalence of self-reported consumption of alcohol on a regular basis in community-living older men and women (≥ 65 years). Furthermore, we investigated the prevalence of dispensed prescribed drugs with addiction potential in older men and women who were regular drinkers.MethodsWe used data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 2006–2008 (HUNT3). Of 12,361 older adults in the HUNT3 study, 11,545 had answered the alcohol consumption item and were included in our study. Regular drinkers were defined as consuming alcohol one or more days a week. Data on dispensed drugs with addiction potential were drawn from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Addiction potential was defined as at least one prescription for benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics or opioids during one year for a minimum of two consecutive years.ResultsIn total 28.2% of older Norwegian adults were regular drinkers. Men in the study were more likely to be regular drinkers than women. Drugs with addiction potential were used by 32.4% of participants, and were more commonly used by women. Nearly 12% of participants used benzodiazepines, 19% z-hypnotics and 12.4% opioids. Among regular drinkers, 29% used drugs with addiction potential, which was also more common among women. Adjusted for age, gender and living situation, use of z-hypnotics was associated with regular alcohol intake, while use of opioids was associated with no regular alcohol intake.ConclusionThe prevalence of the use of drugs with addiction potential was high in a Norwegian population of older adults who reported regular consumption of alcohol. Strategies should be developed to reduce or prevent alcohol consumption among older adults who use drugs with addiction potential.

Mortality in older adults with frequent alcohol consumption and use of drugs with addiction potential – The Nord Trøndelag Health Study 2006-2008 (HUNT3), Norway, a population-based study

“…Older men with chronic conditions may be more likely than women to combine the use of alcohol and drugs with addiction potential [37]. However, in a previous study we found that a higher proportion of older women (39.6%) than men (22.8%) who were regular drinkers (alcohol consumption ≥ 1 day a week) also used drugs with addiction potential [38]. Thus, it seems that both older women and men may use alcohol in addition to drugs with addiction potential [38].…”

“…However, in a previous study we found that a higher proportion of older women (39.6%) than men (22.8%) who were regular drinkers (alcohol consumption ≥ 1 day a week) also used drugs with addiction potential [38]. Thus, it seems that both older women and men may use alcohol in addition to drugs with addiction potential [38]. Nevertheless, we did not find an association in men or women between a possible combination of frequent drinking and use of prescribed drugs with addiction potential and mortality.…”

“…Drugs with addiction potential (benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics and opioids) are used widely among older adults in Western countries [36–38] and often for conditions such as insomnia [39], anxiety [39] and chronic pain [40]. As a person ages, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs are altered, which result in prolonged and increased effects of these drugs [39].…”

“…There have also been some concerns regarding the combined use of alcohol and drugs with addiction potential in older adults [5, 36–38]. This combination can lead to serious side effects such as increased sedation, impaired coordination and breathing difficulties, which in turn can result in a greater risk of falls, accident and death [5, 36, 37].…”

Prevalence, clustering and combined effects of lifestyle behaviours and their association with health after retirement age in a prospective cohort study, the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Norway

“…Prevalence of risky alcohol consumption doubled from HUNT2 (1995-97) to HUNT3 (2006-08) for men and women over 60 years [18]. 28.2% participants aged 65 years and older reported drinking alcohol once or more weekly in HUNT3 [44]. In 2019 38% of 45-66-year-old Norwegians reported drinking alcohol once or more weekly; higher among older adults and men compared with women [45].…”