Problematic drug use, ageing and older people: trends in the age of drug users in northwest England

2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 799-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
CARYL M. BEYNON ◽  
JIM McVEIGH ◽  
BRENDA ROE
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Older People ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hidden Population ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Problematic Drug ◽  
Hospital Stays ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

ABSTRACTIn the United Kingdom (UK) and elsewhere, little is known about problematic drug use among older people (defined here as aged 50–74 years), either because few older drug users exist or because they represent a ‘hidden’ population. In this paper, we show that the average age of drug users in contact with treatment services and agency-based syringe exchange programmes (SEPs) in the counties of Cheshire and Merseyside in northwest England is rising. Between 1998 and 2004–05, the number of older male drug users in treatment increased from 80 to 310, and the number of older females rose from 46 to 117. Consequently, the median age rose from 30.8 years in 1998 to 34.9 years in 2004–05. Similarly, between 1992 and 2004, the number of older injectors accessing SEPs increased from three to 65 men and from one to nine women. The median age of SEP attenders was 27.0 years in 1992 and 34.9 years in 2004. Drug use amongst older people is associated with poor physical and psychological health and longer hospital stays. The future cost of the ageing of drug users may be considerable. Detailed research is needed to identify the characteristics and health needs of this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Hidden need for drug treatment services: measuring levels of problematic drug use in the North West of England

2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Beynon ◽  
M. A. Bellis ◽  
T. Millar ◽  
P. Meier ◽  
R. Thomson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Treatment ◽  
North West ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
The North ◽  
Problematic Drug

The role of physical and psychological health problems in the drug use treatment process

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 23-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
George W. Joe ◽  
Wayne E.K. Lehman ◽  
Grace A. Rowan ◽  
Kevin Knight ◽  
Patrick M. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health

Problematic recreational drug use: is there a role for outpatient sexual health clinics in identifying those not already engaged with treatment services?

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlyn Lovett ◽  
T. Yamamoto ◽  
Laura Hunter ◽  
John White ◽  
Paul I. Dargan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Problematic Use ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Problematic Drug ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

Background There is an association between recreational drug use, high-risk sexual activity and sexually transmissible infections. Studies have shown a higher prevalence of drug use in those accessing sexual health services; however, there are minimal data on the proportion with problematic recreational drug use. We aimed to understand whether sexual health clinics could identify problematic drug and alcohol use as a novel referral pathway into treatment services. Methods: Males attending two sexual health clinics in London completed questionnaires. Data were collected on demographics; gender of sexual partner; use of alcohol and recreational drugs; if they felt they had problematic use of drugs, alcohol or both; and if they had sought help for their problematic use. Results: In total, 867 males completed the questionnaire; 387 (44.7%) were men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM had significantly higher lifetime use of any drug compared with non-MSM (80.6% vs. 62.5%; P < 0.0001). Thirty-five (4.7%) self-identified problematic drug or alcohol use, with no difference between MSM and non-MSM (6.3% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.08). Of those with problematic drug or alcohol use, 20 were currently or had been engaged with a treatment service and 15 had never engaged with treatment services. MSM were more likely to have ever sought help for drug or alcohol problems compared with non-MSM (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Some individuals attending sexual health clinics with problematic drug use have not engaged with treatment services. It is therefore appropriate to develop screening tools for sexual health clinics to identify these individuals and novel referral pathways to engage them in treatment services.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Hospital Staff in India during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Lokesh Kumar Ranjan ◽  
Pramod R Gupta ◽  
Nilesh Maruti Gujar ◽  
Shefali Baraik
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Quality In Healthcare

Background: Hospital staff has been constant and at the forefront to provide treatment services to the patient with risk of COVID-19 infection. The fear and uncertainty forced by the COVID-19 pandemic have become a risk for physical and psychological health among health care professionals.Aim: To explore the stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hospital staff working in general and mental health hospitals during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The present survey was an online study among hospital staff in India. We received a total of 373 responses by the stipulated time from hospital staff - participants with written consent diverted for further study. Socio-demographic datasheet, quality of life (QOL- BREF), depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) were included in the Google form.Results: The results showed 2.4% of depression, 6.3% of anxiety, and 5.9% of stress among hospital staff. Nursing staff, physicians, and lab technicians had higher stress, anxiety, and depression. The result also revealed 4.3% physical, 16.6% psychological, 65.4% social, and 21.7% environmental health had a poor level of QOL in hospital staff.Conclusion: Healthcare workers are stressed, anxious, and depressive while working in the COVID-19 pandemic situation. To sustain and develop quality in healthcare services, physical and psychological wellness programs can enhance mental health and quality of life among hospital staff.

scholarly journals Men and the Drug Buzz: Masculinity and Men’s Motivations for Illicit Recreational Drug Use

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clay Darcy
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Treatment Services ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
Problem Drug Use ◽  
Recreational Use ◽  
Problem Drug

The purpose of this article is to explore the motivations behind some men’s recreational use of illicit drugs from a gender standpoint. The rationale for this analysis stems from men’s predominance as illicit drug users and their likelihood of experiencing problem drug use and becoming a part of an over-represented population in drug treatment services. Explanations for men’s problematic/addicted patterns of drug use often point to marginalisation, disadvantage, and/or men’s tendency towards problematic health behaviours. This article argues that men’s illicit recreational drug use is often glossed over as a gendered activity and receives less scrutiny than problematic/addicted patterns of drug taking. It examines the drug-taking motivations of 20 Irish men who identified as illicit recreational drug users to expand on and deepen current explanations for men’s illicit recreational drug use. The article demonstrates how men engage in drug use for complex and contradictory reasons that include embodied quests for pleasure and excitement, achieving connection with other men, and performing or contravening masculinities in homosocial contexts.

Alcohol use disorders in elderly people: fact or fiction?

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Dar
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Older People ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Outreach Services ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Principles Of Treatment

The number of older people is increasing in populations throughout the world. Alcohol use disorders in elderly people are a common but underrecognised problem associated with major physical and psychological health problems. Owing to the negative attitudes and inadequate training of healthcare professionals, alcohol misuse is not always being detected or effectively treated. Current diagnostic criteria and common screening instruments for alcohol use disorders may not be appropriate for elderly people. Older people are as likely to benefit from treatment as younger people and the basic principles of treatment are much the same. Better integrated and outreach services are needed. Training of healthcare professionals in this area and pragmatic research should be prioritised to improve detection, treatment and service provision for this vulnerable and neglected population.

scholarly journals Identifying the Hidden Population: Former Intravenous Drug Users Who Are No Longer in Contact with Services. “Ask a Friend”

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Sarah R. Donaldson ◽  
Andrew Radley ◽  
John F. Dillon
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Hidden Population ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
History Of ◽  
Chronic Morbidity ◽  
To Come

People who, after a period of drug use, have changed their lifestyle and left substance use behind them are a hidden population within our communities. Lack of contact with drug services may mean that they are not tested for hepatitis C (HCV) infection through service-led initiatives and, therefore, may be exposed to the chronic morbidity and risk of death inherent with a legacy of HCV infection. This study utilized respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in a novel fashion to find those at historical risk of HCV. The social networks of people with a history of drug use were mapped, and individuals not currently in contact with services were invited to come forward for testing by members of their social network. The study used a reference group to inform study methodology and communication methods to reach out to this hidden population. One hundred and nine individuals received dry blood spot tests for HCV, 17.4% were antibody positive. Fifty one individuals met the inclusion criteria for this study. One hundred and twenty three invite-to-test coupons were issued; however, only one wave of recruitment consisting of one participant resulted from this method. Using RDS in historical social networks was not effective in this study and did not reach this hidden population and increase testing for HCV. This study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (Ref NCT03697135).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document