Alcohol and drug use in older adults is a growing issue. However, many are not receiving recovery services. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause a variety of problems for older adults, and it is important to understand how individuals can take the steps back to a healthy path.
Alcohol and Drug Use in Older Adults
Seventeen percent of people in the United States over 65 years old have abused prescription medications, according to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. In Summit County alone, 48% of overdose victims were age 45 or older, with nearly all of that group between 45 and 64 years old.
Substance use disorders in older adults can be difficult to diagnose because they are masked by other existing conditions, such as dementia, depression, or even diabetes. There is a greater risk of harmful interactions caused by mixing medications with alcohol and other drugs.
For these reasons, it is important to speak up if you think an older adult has a substance use disorder. Knowing the causes of addiction in older adults can help you spot an issue and get someone on the road to recovery.
Causes of Alcohol and Drug Use in Older Adults
Older adults face unique challenges when it comes to alcohol and drug use disorders. While substance abuse can be dangerous at any age, older adults are at a greater risk for complications due to the natural physiological changes that happen as we age.
Substance use disorders can stem from a number of life events that trigger alcohol and drug use that is harmful to an older adult. These may include:
- The death of a family member, spouse, or friend
- Moving or being placed in a nursing home
- Family issues or empty nesting
- Retirement or loss of a job
- Financial strains
- Mental or physical health decline
These events and more can contribute to someone turning to substance abuse later in life. No matter the reason, substance use disorders can be harmful to older adults and should be addressed.
When to Seek Treatment
Addiction can be hard to identify in older adults. It is important to pay attention to the signs in your aging loved ones.
Someone might have a substance abuse disorder if they show the following signs:
- Changes in eating habits
- Failing to stay clean
- Unexplained bruises
- Changes in sleeping
- Memory problems
- Losing touch with people and loved ones
- Lack of interest in usual activities
- Wanting to be alone
- Irritability, sadness, or depression
The first step towards addressing a substance use issue is to identify it. Once you have identified the issue, it is critical to seek an appropriate treatment plan.
Some treatment options specialize in helping older adults with alcohol and drug addictions. Clients receive treatment with people in their age group, so it is easier to connect and grow during their journey to recovery.
*The information in this article is intended solely to provide general information on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use. This article should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal, medical, or other competent advisors.