The challenges faced by older high risk drug users : professionals’ perspectives : a qualitative study

Abstract

Older high risk drug users have been given little attention in the past. Research indicates that whilst the majority of drug users mature out of substance use, some persist in their addiction careers. Due to various reasons such as the ageing population, better health care and introduction of harm reduction strategies, an increase of older high risk drug users has been noted. These may be a particular group with a host of problems in addition to their substance use disorder. The aim of this research was to gather information with regards to the challenges and needs of older high risk drug users through the perspective of professionals. This research adopted a qualitative approach, where six semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals working in the addiction field. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the data and three main categories emerged; professionals’ conceptualisation of who constitutes the older drug user; purported reasons for increase in the number of older drug users and reported challenges faced by older drug users. A further 5 sub-categories were extracted from the last category; health issues; social issues; accommodation issues; substance use treatment issues and criminal justice system issues. Recommendations for further research and development are found in the conclusion of the study.