Older adults and substance use & misuse

International Conference on Nursing & Emergency Medicine

December 02-04, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Marsha Snyder

Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Persons who are 48?66 years of age represent the fastest growing segment of the United States (US) population. As individuals mature through young adulthood into adulthood, substance use generally declines. However, current research reflects relatively higher rates of substance use including nonmedical use of prescriptions among those in the ?baby boomer? generation when compared to prior generations. This presentation will examine the biologic and social changes that occur with aging that increase risk for substance use. Several assessment tools are available for use and target issues related to an older population will be addressed. Recognizing substance use in this population is critical to health promotion and prevention of further disease.

Biography :

Marsha Snyder, as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and certified as a substance abuse counselor in Illinois, she has worked with substance users for over 30 years. In her practice within a FQHC, she completes psychiatric assessment and does follow-up with patients, who are dual diagnosed; many of whom are older adults.