Alcohol and Drug Use Among the Elderly: Is it a Problem?

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Alcohol and Drug Use Among the Elderly: Is it a Problem?

When you think of an alcoholic or a drug addict, you probably don’t imagine a gray-haired grandmother or someone in retirement. The truth is, however, thatsubstance abuse problems and addictionare becoming increasingly common among the elderly.

In fact, according to recent census data, about 17 percent of people aged 65 or over are substance abusers to some degree. What’s worse is that by the year 2020, the number of senior citizens who abuse substances is expected to double.

Why? People become more susceptible to substance abuse as they age, often because of loneliness, increasing anxiety, and other concerns. However, drug andalcohol abuse during the senior years are not a foregone conclusion. There are things you can do to limit the likelihood that your loved one will fall victim to substance abuse later in life or to help them out of an existing drug abuse problem now.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Perhaps the most common type of substance abuse among the elderly isprescription drug abuse. Many elderly people are already prescribed medications, so it may be easy for them to start abusing them. Sometimes, this abuse starts off as unintentional – that is, accidentally taking a few too many painkillers – but can easily develop into an out-of-control problem.

As the friend or family member of an elderly person, here are some things you can do to help keep your loved one from developing a problem with prescription medications:

·         Encourage your loved one to ask about alternatives to prescription medications.

·         Make sure your loved one uses his or her medication exactly as directed.

·         Talk to your loved one about the dangers associated with prescription medication abuse.

·         Encourage your loved one to regularly check in with his or her prescribing doctor.

·         Never provide your loved one with medication that he or she is not prescribed. 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Though somewhat rare, there are elderly people who abuse illicit drugs. More often than not, however, the drug of choice, if not prescription medication, ends up being alcohol. Don’t think that alcoholism can’t affect your elderly loved one? Alcoholism can and does affect both people who have never been heavy drinkers and people who have always had a propensity toward drinking.

Be watchful of the signs of alcoholism in your loved one and understand that the dangerous effects of alcohol consumption often hit elderly adults the hardest. Some of the signs to be mindful of include:

·         An inability to control the amount of alcohol consumed

·         Expressing a strong need to drink

·         Increased tolerance to alcohol

·         Drinking alone

·         Lying or being secretive about drinking

·         Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

·         Blacking out

·         Experiencing legal problems, relationship problems, financial problems, and/or work problems as a result of drinking

Recovery Is Possible at Any Age

There is no limit on the age at which a person can recover from substance abuse problems or addiction. Therefore, if you find that your elderly loved one is struggling, do not hesitate to seek help for him or her. There are many rehabilitation programs that are specifically geared toward the unique needs, concerns and challenges facing the elderly, and such a program would likely be a good choice for the elderly person in your life. Call now to find the best drug rehab program for your loved one, no matter what their age.