Substance Abuse, Addiction, and the Elderly by Rehab Recovery Centers

While people usually assume that addiction only affects teenagers and young adults, elderly substance abuse is becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, elderly substance abuse is often underestimated, causing it to be ignored or undiagnosed. This prevents elderly individuals and older adults from receiving the help they need.

According to research, alcohol, and prescription drug abuse affects up to 17% of adults over the age of 60.[1] Health care providers often overlook elderly substance abuse due to insufficient knowledge, hurried office visits, and limited research data. Additionally, elderly patients often suffer from behavioral or medical disorders that mimic the symptoms of addiction (e.g. depression, dementia, or diabetes), making the diagnosis and treatment of the issue difficult.

There are usually two types of elderly individuals who suffer from substance use disorder (SUD). First, there is the “hardy survivor” which describes individuals who have been abusing substances for many years and have reached the age of 65. On the other hand, the “late-onset” group is characterized by those who form addictions later in life. Regardless of the period in life that you began abusing substances, addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that must be treated professionally.

Let’s take a look at addiction in the elderly, the causes of substance abuse in senior citizens, and the risks of leaving addiction untreated.

Causes of Addiction in the Elderly

Several factors contribute to an individual turning to substance abuse later in life. Some causes of elderly addiction may include health-related issues or experiencing life-changing events that began to take an emotional toll. These events may provoke substance-abusing behavior that often results in full-blown addiction.

The most common, potential causes of drug or alcohol addiction in the elderly include:

  • Retirement
  • Death of a family member, spouse, pet, or close friend
  • Loss of income or financial strains
  • Relocation or placement in a nursing home
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Empty nest syndrome
  • Family conflict
  • Mental or physical health issues (depression, memory loss, major surgeries, etc.)

More often than not, older adults suffer from chronic pain stemming from health conditions. When this occurs, it is common for them to receive pain medications from their doctor. As a result, they may become addicted or dependent upon the substance. This is another common cause of addiction in elderly communities, as many older individuals find themselves frequently taking opioid pain medication.

If you or a loved one suffer from addiction later in life, it is important to seek professional drug or alcohol rehab. The effects of addiction on elderly individuals tend to be more severe than that of younger adults, therefore, medical intervention is often necessary and life-saving.

The Dangers of Elderly Substance Abuse

Elderly drug or alcohol abuse is especially dangerous due to senior citizens being more susceptible to the deteriorating effects of these substances. Individuals over the age of 65 have a decreased ability to metabolize drugs or alcohol, along with the risk of increased brain sensitivity to substances. This often makes it dangerous for seniors to use drugs or alcohol at all, even if the person isn’t suffering from addiction.

Benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety, pain, or insomnia, are among the most dangerous prescription drugs for seniors. Benzos are generously prescribed and highly addictive, making them extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, the rate of senior citizens addicted to benzos has increased every year.

To continue, many older adults suffer from health conditions. Certain health conditions will be made worse by frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking can worsen the symptoms and effects of these health conditions in elderly individuals:[1]

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Liver problems
  • Osteoporosis
  • Memory problems
  • Mood disorders

If you have an elderly loved one who abuses substances or suffers from addiction, it is time to get them help. Leaving elderly addiction untreated may lead to additional or worsened health conditions, mental health complications, and even untimely death. Contact an addiction treatment provider today.

The Symptoms of Addiction in the Elderly

As people age, their mental health, physical health, and personal relationships may begin to deteriorate due to natural causes. This can make it difficult to identify addiction in the elderly, as many pre-existing health conditions mimic the symptoms of chronic substance abuse. While addiction may be more difficult to identify in this demographic, it’s important to pay attention to any unusual signs that elderly individuals display.

The common signs of elderly addiction include:

  • Increased memory issues
  • Changes in sleeping habits
  • Unexplained bruises
  • Irritability, sadness, or depression
  • Unexplained chronic pain
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Decreased personal hygiene
  • Losing touch with loved ones
  • Lack of interest in usual activities

Once an addiction is identified, it is critical to seek out a treatment center that has specific experience with treating addiction in seniors. According to research, it is important to include a variety of factors into addiction treatment programs when serving elderly individuals. These treatment modalities include:[2]

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapies
  • Group-based approaches, such as group counseling
  • Individual counseling
  • Medical and psychiatric approaches
  • Couples therapy and family therapy
  • Case Management
  • Community-linked services and outreach

Treatment for Elderly Addiction

If you have an elderly loved one who suffers from the effects of addiction, it is time to find them professional treatment. Rehab Recovery Centers is a professional organization that helps individuals find addiction treatment that is tailored to their specific needs. To find a rehab in your city that specializes in the treatment of older adults and the elderly, contact us today.

References:

  1. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsas/olderadults/older-adults-and-substance-use-disorder
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64416/

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