Summary
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has published a second edition of the “Our Invisible Addicts” report, which presents updates to evidence concerning mental health aspects of alcohol and substance misuse in the “baby boomer” generation. It advises that substance misuse amongst older people is an increasing – if under-recognised – problem. The main section headings comprise:
- Working group (the Older Persons’ Substance Misuse Working Group).
- Executive summary.
- Key recommendations.
- Introduction.
- Notes and thoughts from a patient.
- Public health and substance misuse in older people.
- Assessment of substance misuse.
- Alcohol-related brain damage and physical complications of substance misuse.
- Treatment.
- Service delivery and implementation.
- Education and training.
- Ethical and legal considerations for older people with substance misuse.
- Research and development.
- Conclusion.
- References.
- Appendix: examples of evidence-based guidelines.
- Abbreviations.
- Glossary.
- Models of service.
Reference
Older Persons’ Substance Misuse Working Group of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2018). Our invisible addicts. 2nd edition. London: Royal College of Psychiatrists, March 2018. (Royal College of Psychiatrists Report CR211).
Probably of interest, regarding NHS prescription of powerful painkillers.
Reference
Rhodes, D. (2018). NHS accused of fuelling rise in opioid addiction. London: BBC Health News, March 15th 2018.
“The prescribing rate of opioid painkillers in parts of northern England is four times higher than in London”. Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day was on August 31st 2018. Wiley, the journals publisher, made available a selection of freely downloadable articles to enhance the Overdose Awareness Day debate.
