Sammanfattning
Background: Studies revealed that misuse of drugs and alcohol is an increasing phenomenon
among older people (aged 65 years and above), and we know that such misuse is a risk factor for
mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, we do not know to what extent older people have experiences,
understanding and knowledge about the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs.
Aim: To investigate older peoples' experiences with and reflections on the use and misuse of alcohol
and psychotropic drugs among older people.
Method: Qualitative interviews with 16 older people were performed during 2013 and 2014. The
sample included informants aged from 65 to 92 years from 11 municipalities. The data were analysed
by using the phenomenological hermeneutic method.
Findings: The first theme that arose from the informants' narratives was to be a part of a culture in
change that details the informants' experiences with and reflections on the cultural changes
regarding the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs. This theme is divided into three
subthemes: to use and attitudes toward use, to trivialise use and risks of use, and to disclaim
responsibility for use and misuse. The second theme, to explain use and misuse involved reasons
for the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs. It included the subthemes: to be afraid, to
be lonely, and to be informed.
Conclusion: The study revealed that most informants had experiences with the use of alcohol and
psychotropic drugs, but disclaimed any challenges with their use. The use was trivialised and seen
as something older people just do. They disclaimed responsibility for their own psychotropic use as
their general practitioners were defined as the responsible persons. Moreover, the study showed that
the informants had poor knowledge about the risk of use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic
drugs. Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.