Addiction is on the rise across the country, but one area where the epidemic is hitting hardest often goes undetected. Adults over 65 fall prey to addiction at a higher rate than other demographics, but often go untreated. Research suggests that about 10% of the U.S. population abuses alcohol, but about 17% of adults over 65 abuse alcohol. Older generations rank high in abuse of prescription medications as well.
Increased Exposure and Risk
Many of the environmental factors that put people at risk for addiction are compounded among the elderly. The increase of aches, pains and illness as we age means that more addictive prescription medications are prescribed among this age group. Memory impairment makes it difficult for some elderly people to accurately monitor dosage and consumption of prescription medications and/or alcohol. Elderly people tend to live a more isolated lifestyle , which makes it difficult for friends or loved ones to be able to detect when there’s a problem. Big life changes like retirement or the death of a loved one can also be catalysts for addiction.
Signs of Trouble
One of the biggest reasons that addiction is so pervasive among seniors is that they are less involved in their families and communities; so their illness may not detected by those who could offer help. Some of the symptoms of addiction in an elderly person are often ascribed to other health problems and get passed over. Some common signs of substance abuse and addiction for elderly people include:
- Isolation, or losing touch with family and friends
- Increased depression, sadness, or irritability
- Loss of interest in once favored activities
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Unexplained chronic pain
- Impaired coordination
- Trouble with memory or concentration
- Failure to bathe or keep clean
These symptoms could also be attributed to other health problems, but either way, it’s important for a loved one who is exhibiting any of these symptoms to get medical attention.
Preventing and Stopping Elderly Addiction
The isolation that is so prevalent among the older generations is a perfect cover for addiction. Sometimes addiction is a new disease for them that is instigated because of stressful life changes, or prescription medication dependence. Sometimes addiction is a problem they’ve been dealing with for decades, and are now left to try and manage it alone. Whatever the circumstance, the best way to prevent and stop addiction in elderly people, is to focus on keeping them engaged and involved in their families and communities.
While many illnesses that plague the elderly are chronic and degenerative, addiction is a treatable disease. Overcoming an addiction later in life takes work just like it does at any age; it can greatly improve a person’s quality of life and allow them to enjoy fulfilling, productive golden years.
Mitch Webb serves as the Technology Director at Shadow Mountain Recovery. He has worked in the substance abuse field for the past six years. His experience at several other treatment centers is instrumental in implementing new technology and systems at Shadow Mountain Recovery. Mitch has a passion for helping individuals and their families recover from the disease of addiction.
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