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Geriatrics173 papers

Harmful pattern of substance use in remission

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Harmful patterns of substance use in remission refer to recurrent or persistent problematic substance use behaviors among individuals who are ostensibly abstinent or in recovery, potentially impacting functional outcomes and rehabilitation efficiency 1.

Diagnosis

  • Recurrent substance use despite negative consequences 1.
  • Functional impairment evident through measures like the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) 1.
  • Polypharmacy may correlate with reduced rehabilitation efficiency, defined as five or more medications 1.
  • Management

  • Behavioral interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (specific drug classes/doses not detailed in provided abstracts).
  • Monitoring and support systems to enhance adherence and functional recovery 1.
  • Addressing polypharmacy to optimize medication regimens and potentially improve rehabilitation outcomes 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Elderly: Polypharmacy significantly impacts rehabilitation efficiency, warranting careful medication review 1.
  • Comorbidities: Presence of multiple conditions may exacerbate the effects of harmful substance use patterns on functional recovery 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Implement rigorous medication reviews to minimize polypharmacy and enhance rehabilitation efficiency (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Integrate behavioral therapies to manage harmful substance use patterns in remission (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • Monitor functional outcomes using tools like the FIM to assess the impact of substance use patterns on recovery (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • References

    1 Tachi T, Otsubo M, Toyoshima M, Murayama A, Katsuno H, Ueno A et al.. The association between polypharmacy and the efficiency of the functional independence measure in an acute-stage hospital: a retrospective cohort study. Aging clinical and experimental research 2021. link 2 Murray L, Ramchandani P. Might prevention be better than cure?. Archives of disease in childhood 2007. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      The association between polypharmacy and the efficiency of the functional independence measure in an acute-stage hospital: a retrospective cohort study.Tachi T, Otsubo M, Toyoshima M, Murayama A, Katsuno H, Ueno A et al. Aging clinical and experimental research (2021)
    2. [2]
      Might prevention be better than cure?Murray L, Ramchandani P Archives of disease in childhood (2007)

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