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

The Link Between Elder Abuse and Substance Abuse

Elder abuse and substance abuse share certain characteristics:

• For some people, abusing drugs, alcohol, or other people becomes a way to cope with the difficulties of life or control negative feelings.
• Family members are likely to experience feelings of shame and denial regarding elder abuse and/or chemical dependence.
• Older adults in a relationship with a person who has a substance abuse problem may become "codependent" and take responsibility for the other person's abusive behavior or minimize its negative effects.

The association between substance abuse and family violence, however, is complex and involves the interplay of many other variables, including personality; nature of the relationship; type of substance abuse problem; degree of family conflict; environmental factors, such as poverty and social isolation; and social and cultural factors. ref

The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse has noted numerous patterns that demonstrate the link between substance and elder abuse. Researchers and practitioners have observed trends when substance abuse is present in victims and perpetrators of elder abuse.