It is not something is openly spoken about but the sad fact is substance abuse is not uncommon among seniors in the US. Some studies project that this number is all set to rise in the coming years. While this may not necessarily be true for all seniors, if you have an elderly parent, it is advisable to keep an eye out for signs of substance abuse.
One of the reasons why these signs are often overlooked is that they are often mistaken as part of natural aging.
Causes of Addiction in the Elderly
There are several different reasons why a senior may turn to substance abuse. More often than not, it is because of life-changing emotional experiences or health complications. Many family members and friends of the same age may have passed away. The inevitable age-related deterioration causes its own upheaval. In such circumstances, a senior may progress from substance abuse to full-blown addiction.
Some of the causes of addiction among seniors include a combination of at some of the following:
- Retirement
- Conflict in the family
- Financial stress
- Losing source of income
- Death of spouse, pet, good friend or pet
- Mental health issues, like depression
- Physical health issues like surgery and chronic pain
- Getting placed in a nursing home
Signs that May Indicate a Drinking or Drug Problem
Many times, the signs of drug or drinking problem are always there. However, since people don’t associate this problem with seniors, they don’t notice them.
- Drinking when alone
- Hiding and drinking
- A must-have drink before, during or after meals
- Losing interest in activities that they used to enjoy before
- Being hostile
- Suffering from depression
- Memory loss and confusion
- Slurred speech
- Finding empty liquor bottles around the house
- Alcohol smell on the breath
- Using tranquilizers frequently
- Drinking even though on prescription medication
These are broad signs of alcohol or drug problem among seniors. Also, it must be pointed out that the signs tend to mimic mental health or medical problems, such as dementia and depression. As a result, you may put it as age-related problems rather than substance abuse.
The Dangers of Elderly Substance Abuse
Substance abuse among the elderly is more serious than you think. Seniors tend to be more seriously affected by the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. This is primarily because their body is unable to metabolize the drugs or alcohol efficiently. Coupled with that, seniors tend to have increased brain sensitivity. As a result, it is more dangerous for them to get addicted to drugs or alcohol.
5 Facts Everyone Should Know About Older Adults and Addiction
There are some seniors who are seasoned abusers while others tend to start later in life, usually after retirement. Regardless of when the senior becomes addicted, it does not change the fact that they are more affected by the debilitating and harmful effects of addiction.
Here are five facts that you should be aware of when it comes to the elderly and addiction:
- 1. Seniors are as likely to get hospitalized for alcohol abuse as they are for heart attacks.
- 2. In the US, the highest rate of alcoholism is not among youngster and young adults, but widowers, who are more than 75 years of age.
- 3. The success rate of treating seniors for substance abuse and addiction is extremely high.
- 4. The number of older adults getting addicted to painkillers is rising significantly as doctors tend to prescribe them quite liberally.
- 5. A majority of healthcare professionals does not notice the obvious signs of addiction among seniors due to their age-related issues.
Being aware of the risks of substance abuse among seniors is the first step towards helping an elderly parent who may be susceptible.
