Deck 8: Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention in Older Adults

Question 1

Which factor is not a possible risk for alcohol dependence?

A) Family history
B) Social isolation
C) Binge drinking in college
D) Lower socioeconomic groups

Answer 1

Lower socioeconomic groups

Question 2

The criteria for defining a drink include:

A) A drink is an 8-oz. glass of wine
B) Only hard liquor is considered
C) 1.5 oz. of liquor
D) A pint of beer

Answer 2

1.5 oz. of liquor

Question 3

The problem with the SMAST-G is:

A) It is not evidenced based
B) relies on people telling the truth about their drinking
C) it only addresses social drinking patterns
D) the instrument is not easily available

Answer 3

relies on people telling the truth about their drinking

Question 4

The SBIRT model of screening involves:

A) Extended treatment
B) Motivational interviewing
C) Therapist's role to instruct person to give up drinking
D) Is only usable in a doctor's office

Question 5

Motivational interviewing techniques:

A) Includes 7 stages of change
B) All actions for change are directed by provider
C) May begin with a denial that drinking is problem
D) Is only effective if done in an emergency situation

Question 6

Risk factors for addiction to prescription and over the counter drugs:

A) Opioids are freely given for pain
B) People aren't aware of the reasons for a prescription
C) Doctor shopping and the accumulation of prescriptions
D) All of the above

Question 7

Treatment approaches for drug and alcohol dependency include all except:

A) Moving to a different neighborhood
B) Changing the dosage on prescriptions
C) Consolidate prescriptions at one pharmacy
D) Group approaches

Question 8

Suicide among older adults:

A) Is less common than among teenagers
B) Attempts are higher, but completion is lower among older adults
C) Women are more likely to commit suicide
D) Depression is among the most serious risk factors for suicide

Question 9

Most alcoholism among older adults:

A) Started early before age 40
B) Started in late life
C) Started as recreational use
D) Is the result of having higher incomes in later life

Question 10

Ethical concerns regarding suicide:

A) Should focus on client self determination
B) Should protect the confidentiality of the client
C) Require that social workers suspend rules of confidentiality
D) Should prevent the social worker from telling the client about exceptions to confidentiality

Question 11

Describe the difference between early and late onset alcoholism.

Question 12

Most women over 65 don't drink but for those that do they are more likely to become problem drinkers. Why?

Question 13

What is relationship between Black men and alcohol dependence?

Question 14

How can symptoms of alcoholism be misinterpreted a dementia or age related physical changes?

Question 15

What are the barriers to treatment for late life alcoholism?

Question 16

Describe how suicide prevention efforts might extend beyond the social work interview.

Question 17

How can social workers be instrumental in changing the attitudes of health care professionals about drugs and alcohol use among older patients?

Question 18

How are social factors related to suicide? The two main social factors are social connectedness and stressful life event.

Question 19

Describe a program you would devise to assist older adults at risk for suicide?

Question 20

Describe the ethical dilemma social workers face in assessing older adults who may self-harm.