When envisioning substance abuse, one of the last demographics that may come to mind are older adults. In reality, this age group is more severely impacted by this issue than the majority of people realize. As an individual ages, changes in physical and emotional well-being, family dynamics, status, and increased dependency in daily activities are experienced. Many may turn to substance use to cope.

Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Seniors

Drug and alcohol abuse is harmful regardless of age, but it can be more detrimental as one ages due to a weakened immune system and higher probability of other disorders. Along with a number of life changes, seniors can use substances to supplement their health, causing more serious physical effects and severe alcohol-related injuries. Mixing drugs and alcohol may be a distinct, but a scary possibility that can create harmful interactions in the body and lead to addiction.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse presents the following data to support the fact that substance abuse among older adults is growing more severe every day:

• Over 2.5 million older American adults are struggling with a drug or alcohol problem.
• Widowers over the age of 75 have been observed as the group with the highest rate of alcoholism.
• Up to 11 percent of hospital admissions of seniors is attributed to alcohol or drug problems. This is as often for heart attack cases.
• More than half of seniors in nursing homes have alcohol-related problems
• Almost 17 million prescriptions for tranquilizers, the most abused drugs, are given to seniors every year.

Despite these statistics, the understanding of and response to this health crisis remains to lag behind other concerns. For seniors to receive the needed help, it is imperative to know the reason why seniors use drugs and alcohol, and which treatment options can work most successfully for them. Stepping away from addiction and the chance of recovery is possible regardless of age.

Reasons Seniors Become Addicted to Substances

There are many reasons why a person can abuse drugs and alcohol, but seniors are confronted with different challenges that can leave them more prone to substance use disorders (SUD). The physical and cognitive decline that comes with aging can be difficult to accept. This can lead to substance abuse.

Seniors are often prescribed more medications than other age groups. Unfortunately, at this stage in life the body takes a longer period of time to process medications and they may impact you differently as you age. Seniors may become dependent or addicted to drugs or alcohol for the following reasons:

• Boredom 
• Grief caused by the loss of spouse, family and/or friends
• Domestic abuse
• Marital issues, such as a difficult divorce
• Change in living environment
• Loss of employment
• Financial strain
• Dependency on others
• Physical and emotional health concerns
• Simultaneous use of multiple prescribed drugs
• Cognitive decline may cause improper or accidental use of medications
• Treatment of co-occurring age-related health conditions
• Slower metabolism and increased sensitivity to medications
• Increased frequency of surgical procedures that require the use of pain relievers
• Higher rate of sleep and anxiety problems
• Long term use of psychoactive medications
• Tendency to self-medicate
• Misdiagnosis from primary care providers
• Mixing alcohol and prescription drugs

Symptoms of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Older Adults

Signs of substance abuse can include the following:

• Drinking rituals around dinner time
• Secretive or solitary drinking
• Poor self-care
• Slurred speech
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Irritability and frequent outbursts of anger
• Unstable blood pressure
• Recurrent accidents and injuries
• Avoiding medical appointments
• Frequent visits to the emergency room
• Unfounded health complaints
• Memory loss
• Estrangement from family and friends
• Strange odor in the body, breath or clothing

How to Help

It can be difficult to spot the signs of substance abuse, though if you are concerned about your substance use or the use of someone close to you, know that help is available. Trained, licensed therapists can assess substance use and determine whether it is problematic and needs further intervention. 

CCS in Fuquay-Varina contracts with licensed counselors and therapists who can help. Don’t wait for your use to become unmanageable, reach out for help today. Call CCS to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling sessions are also available, making getting the care you need and deserve easier than ever before.

Related Articles: