What Can Result From Opioid Use Among Older Adults?

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, about 13% of adults 65 years and older from 2020 to 2021 filled at least one outpatient opioid prescription. Meanwhile, just over 4% had four or more prescriptions filled. Considering the highly addictive characteristics of opioids, the statistics have raised concerns about how opioid use in older adults increases mortality rates.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to these powerful medications. With an increasing number of older individuals prescribed opioids for chronic pain management, critical issues have arisen surrounding dependency, cognitive decline, and overall health outcomes. This blog will explore the consequences of opioid use among older adults, including the risks of addiction, the impact on health, how to spot the signs of opioid intoxication, and how to help someone suffering from opioid misuse. 

WhiteSands Treatment is an addiction care facility with a network of inpatient and outpatient locations across Florida. Our team of compassionate experts seeks to educate the public on critical issues like opioid addiction and treat patients without judgment.

How Opioid Use Impacts Older Adults

Opioid use among older adults can lead to a range of significant consequences, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. 

Here are some areas of concern:

• Increased Risk of Dependence and Addiction: Older adults may be at risk for developing opioid dependence because of changes in metabolism and increased sensitivity to medications. This can lead to misuse, even if opioids were initially prescribed for legitimate medical reasons.
• Cognitive Decline: Opioids can contribute to cognitive impairment, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making. 
• Falls and Fractures: The sedative effects of opioids can increase the risk of falls, which is already a significant concern for older adults.
• Respiratory Issues: Older adults are more vulnerable to respiratory depression, a side effect of opioid use. This can lead to life-threatening situations, particularly if opioids are taken with other sedative medications.
• Drug Interactions: Many older adults are on multiple medications for various chronic conditions. Opioids can interact with other drugs, leading to increased side effects or diminished effectiveness of treatments.
• Mood Disorders: Long-term opioid use may be associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety. 
• Compromised Pain Management: While opioids are often prescribed to manage pain, their long-term use can lead to tolerance. This may require higher doses for the same level of pain relief and potentially diminish overall pain management effectiveness.

While opioids can efficiently manage pain in older adults, their use carries significant risks that necessitate careful monitoring. Balancing pain relief with safety is crucial in this vulnerable population. Opioid use in older adults has led to increases in mortality, indicating the risks are too significant to be careless with these powerful medications. 

How Do Opiates Affect the Elderly?

Opiates can significantly impact the elderly, leading to a range of physical and cognitive effects that can complicate their health and quality of life. One of the primary concerns is increased sensitivity to these medications. As people age, their bodies often metabolize drugs differently, resulting in heightened sensitivity to opiates. This can lead to exaggerated effects, such as sedation and dizziness. This can be dangerous for older adults who are at risk for falls.

Cognitive impairment is another severe consequence of opiate use in older adults. Opiates can negatively affect memory, attention, and overall cognitive processing, making it difficult for individuals to think clearly. For seniors who may already be experiencing age-related mental decline, this impairment can be especially troubling. It can exasperate existing issues, impact their daily activities, and threaten their independence.

As a result, opiate use requires careful consideration and management. The potential for serious side effects underscores the need for increased awareness about opioid addiction in older adults. Meanwhile, treatment centers like WhiteSands are well-equipped to help if there is an issue. Their comprehensive care facilities are working to curb increases in mortality driven by opioid use in older adults with a range of therapies and other treatment offerings. 

 

Do Opioids Shorten Life Expectancy?

Research indicates that while opioids can effectively manage pain, their misuse and the consequences of long-term use can indeed contribute to increases in mortality among older adults.

• Risk of Overdose: One of the most significant factors is the risk of overdose. Opioid-related overdoses have surged in recent years, driven by both prescription medications and illicit opioids like fentanyl. Overdoses can be fatal, leading to a direct decrease in life expectancy.
• Chronic Health Issues: Long-term opioid use can lead to eventually fatal health complications, including respiratory problems, cognitive decline, and increased susceptibility to infections. 
• Mental Health Impacts: Opioid use is often associated with issues like depression and anxiety. The interplay between chronic pain, opioid use, and mental health can lower quality of life and lead to suicidal thoughts.
• Social and Economic Factors: Opioid dependence can disrupt social and economic stability, leading to job loss, relationship breakdowns, and increased social isolation. These factors can adversely affect physical and mental health, lowering life expectancy.

Increases in mortality caused by opioid use in older adults have made it crucial to provide easily accessible care for anyone who has a substance use disorder. 

Are Opioid Deaths Increasing?

The simple answer is yes. A rise in opioid deaths has created a growing concern for substance abuse in seniors. Data from The Lancet shows opioid-related deaths in 2022 lowered U.S. life expectancy by 29%, wiping away more than 3 million years of life compared to 2 million years lost in 2019. 

Initially, the rise in opioid deaths was closely linked to aggressive prescribing practices aimed at managing pain. While a concerted effort has been made to promote more responsible prescribing and monitoring, the impact of previous practices still lingers. Many individuals became dependent on opioids prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, and this dependency has contributed to ongoing issues with misuse and overdose.

Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have become a key driver in the increase in opioid deaths. Fentanyl is more potent than traditional opioids, and its widespread availability has transformed the landscape of opioid misuse. Many overdose victims unknowingly consume fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs, leading to an unintentional and fatal overdose.

Contact WhiteSands Treatment to Learn More About How Opioid Use in Older Adults Increases Mortality

WhiteSands Treatment is a leader in the Florida rehab industry, with more than 16 treatment centers across the state. Our services are working to fight against mortality increases caused by opioid use in older adults. This is why we develop a tailored treatment program for every individual. Our team of addiction specialists will use a combination of medical detox, in or outpatient rehab, various therapies, biofeedback, pain management, and more to find the most effective treatment for you. Call us today at (877) 855-3470 to help you or someone you love regain control of their life and to learn more about how opioid use in older adults increases mortality rates.

External Sources

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
• Science Direct – Burden of Chronic and Heavy Opioid Use Among Elderly
• The Lancet – Impact of Opioid Overdoses on US Life Expectancy

 

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.