The aging process according to Erik Erickson is best explained by ego integrity and despair. When you understand the steps, it's a little easier to understand why you turn to substance abuse rather than transforming yourself and gaining confidence in the life you've lived. Often, those in the despair stage experience panic that their life is coming to an end and they may eventually become unhappy with the life they have been living. Others who are in the area of ​​integrity are on good terms with the life they live and often do not regret what they have done or not done. This is a healthier outlook on life and, according to Erikson, those in this stage are generally healthier and happier individuals. For the individual experiencing despair, they may feel that death is frightening, hypercritical of others, and disengaged. They often feel like their lives have been wasted and have an extremely negative outlook. When an individual has ego integrity, they can appear wise and happy in their own skin, this is often the ideal outcome. Another factor to assess is stress related to living conditions and possibly having your children as primary caregivers. Given the cost of nursing homes and the current economic situation, it is more common for the primary caregivers of the elderly to be children. Marks, Lambert, and Choi (2002) summarize: “Most studies have concluded that caregiving is associated with increased feelings of burden and psychological distress. This idea comes from the workload that caregivers experience, for example, running extra errands, taking a bath, and perhaps going to the doctor. This makes older people feel like they are a burden on society or even burdening them...... middle of document ......adsworth.Levin, S. and Kruger, J.D. (2004). Substance abuse in older adults: a doctor's guide. (DHHS Publication No. (SMA) (04-3937). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Rockville, MD. Marks, NF, Lambert, JD, & Chaoi, H. (2002). Transitions to health care delivery care, gender, and psychological well-being: an American national prospective study Journal of marriage and family, 64. 657-667 Menninger, JA (2002) Assessment and treatment of alcoholism and substance use disorders. Elderly, 66. , 166-183. Oscar-Berman, M. and Marinkovic, K. (2003). Alcoholism and the Brain: An Overview. -123United Nations 2002. on Aging, 2002. Document adopted at the Second World Assembly on Aging, Madrid, April 2002. http://www.globalaging.org/resources