​The Growing Concern of Substance Abuse in the Senior Population

Overview of Senior Substance Abuse

2012, according to the US Census Bureau, there were over 43.1 million adults over the age of 65, an age which is predicted to double over the next few decades. In 2018, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by SAMHSA showed that around 2% of all seniors in the country reported having a substance use disorder over the past year. With approximately 17% of all adults of the same age currently abusing alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs, a new epidemic of senior substance abuse is on the rise, which may have serious consequences, not only for themselves and their families but also for the US medical system.

Factors Contributing to Increased Substance Use in Florida’s Seniors

Several common factors can contribute to senior substance abuse. Many older adults have to deal with big life changes and losses regularly, including retiring from their career, moving into an assisted living center, or handling the death of a spouse, friend, or family member. In the US, many seniors find themselves becoming more socially isolated as the years go on, and they may notice that along with their declining physical health, they are also beginning to develop cognitive issues or have increased mental health concerns. 

All of these issues, combined with common ailments like joint pain, insomnia, pain due to surgeries or injuries, and undiagnosed mental illness can lead a person to seek comfort or escape from drugs and alcohol. Isolation and loneliness are where substance abuse thrives, and when doctors prescribe opioid pain medications to a person feeling lost or depressed, they may find themselves taking the medications more often than prescribed as a way to self-medicate. Many seniors also turn to alcohol as a way to cope with difficult emotions or boredom. Over time, this substance use becomes a habit, which leads to physical dependency, and finally addiction. 

Identifying Substance Abuse in the Elderly

It’s not always easy to spot senior substance abuse, because many of the symptoms they show can resemble similar mental health disorders, physical ailments, and cognitive decline. People who have a drug or alcohol addiction will also be likely to hide their substance use, or try to downplay it, either out of shame, or because they are not ready to face the fact that they have a problem. 

Some of the most common signs that an older adult in your life is abusing drugs or alcohol include:

Prescription mismanagement

Signs that they are mismanaging or abusing their prescription medications, including “losing” their pills, or that they ran out or the pharmacist made a mistake. They may also visit multiple doctors and pharmacies in an attempt to get more than one prescription for their medication in a practice commonly known as “doctor shopping”.

Changes in mental health 

Substance use disorders can change the way a person thinks, acts, and feels. Your loved one may become depressed, anxious, irritable, or display mood swings, like sudden anger or crying. They may also have trouble sleeping, bathe less often, or be uncharacteristically energetic or lethargic, depending on the substance. 

Social withdrawal

If your older loved one starts wanting to be alone, skip social engagements, miss phone calls, and engage in reclusive behavior, this could be a sign they are trying to hide their symptoms from those who know them best: their friends and family. 

Signs of impairment

Your loved one may be clumsier or have more unexplained bruises and injuries from falls, or they may seem mentally confused, tired, or speak strangely. You might notice their eyes look glassy or unfocused, they slur their words, and they may display poor judgment.

Health Risks and Complications of Substance Abuse in Seniors

There are many health risks associated with abusing drugs and alcohol for anybody, and these problems are exacerbated in older adults. Some health problems and complications senior substance abuse can cause are: 

• Worsening pre-existing conditions and diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health disorders
• Substance use can disguise the symptoms of serious health concerns like heart attacks or Alzheimers, making diagnosis more difficult which can result in serious complications
• An increased risk of developing multiple types of cancer
• Liver and kidney damage
• Stomach problems
• A risk of overdosing accidentally by mixing prescription medications, illicit substances, and even over-the-counter dietary supplements 
• Addiction, due to an amplified brain sensitivity, a slower metabolism, less lean muscle, and more body fat, older adults are more likely to be more affected by the effects of drugs and alcohol than their younger counterparts are
• Complications when quitting due to withdrawal, with an increased risk of developing delirium tremens, having seizures, or even falling into a coma or dying without medical intervention. 

Treatment Options for Substance Abuse in the Senior Population

While everybody is unique, some of the most effective treatments for senior substance abuse are provided within an inpatient or outpatient treatment program in a professional, safe, accredited rehabilitation facility. Seniors will benefit from a comprehensive program that combines evidence-based therapies with holistic healing options to heal the body, mind, and spirit in tandem. A personalized plan delivered at a level of care best suited to their individual needs will help them address the underlying causes of addiction while providing practical skills and tools they can use to remain sober long-term. For seniors, these programs may also include:

• Intensive medical care
• Medication management 
• Pain management 
• Family therapy 
• Group therapy 
• Community programs 
• Aftercare and relapse prevention services  

Preventive Measures and Educational Programs

As the saying goes, “The best defense is a good offense”. While government-based interventions like “Project Share” and the Computerized Alcohol-Related Problems Survey have been put into place to inform older adults about the risks of alcohol misuse, the best practice for stopping alcohol addiction tends to be community outreach. More personalized educational programs, with doctor support, aimed toward individuals who may be at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, are most likely to decrease their alcohol use. 

Navigating the Path to Recovery: Resources and Support for Seniors with Substance Abuse Problems

At WhiteSands, we understand the complexities involved in treating senior substance abuse and are fully equipped to ensure you’re safe, healthy, and ready to move forward in your life without the burden of addiction weighing you down. We offer structured and customizable outpatient plans that can be tailored to fit your schedule, while teaching relapse prevention strategies and healthy living routines you can use for the rest of your life. Substance use disorders are not life sentences, and with our help, you can become the sober person you want to be, and live your golden years feeling healthy and strong. 

To learn more about how WhiteSands can help with senior substance abuse issues, to check your insurance coverage, or to get started on your wellness journey, please call us today at (877) 855-3470. You can speak to a counselor confidentially, and they can help you figure out what your next step will be. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.