Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Substance Use as a Risk Factor

Like other forms of violence, elder abuse is more likely to occur with alcohol or other substance abuse. Since the 1970s, researchers have noted the prevalence of alcohol abuse by elder abuse perpetrators. ref The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) has found that alcohol abuse is the most frequently cited risk factor associated with elder abuse and neglect. The NCPEA cites a literature review conducted in Canada of 157 publications that identified substance abuse as a risk factor. Other researchers have pointed out the limitations of research findings and the need for more indepth exploration of specific forms of elder abuse, types of perpetrators, and substance abuse. ref

The link between substance abuse and violence has been more closely examined in the field of domestic violence, in which drug and alcohol abuse have been shown to play a role in violence before, during, or after an incident. More than half of men who commit acts of violence against their partners also have alcohol abuse problems. ref Many studies have documented the use of alcohol among sexually abused women. ref One study of women with alcohol problems found that 40 to 74 percent reported some type of sexual abuse, such as incest or rape. ref