The psychedelic 1960s, hippies in their 60s: substance abuse in the elderly.
Janice Hoffman
The Consultant Pharmacist September 1, 2010 DOI: 10.4140/tcp.n.2010.570 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 77-year-old man who attended Woodstock and was part of the counterculture |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Taking a complete medication history, including substance abuse and dietary supplements, is crucial for elderly patients, and consultant pharmacists can recommend dosage adjustments to improve quality of life. |
Abstract
Individuals who attended the famous Woodstock concert--known collectively as hippies--were part of the "counterculture" of the late 1960s and well known for their use of illicit, sometimes psychedelic, drugs. Did they and other former hippies, who are now in their sixties and seventies, continue their substance abuse, and how are they presenting now? This case evaluates a 77-year-old man who was referred to the geriatric assessment clinic for evaluation of worsening cognition. This case illustrates the need to conduct a complete medication history, including substance abuse and dietary supplements, in elderly patients. Consultant pharmacists with knowledge of alcohol and substance abuse and the influence of this abuse on a patient's drug regimen can make improved quality-of-life recommendations for appropriate dosage adjustments as needed.