Substance Addiction Among Senior Citizens
Although it's not unpopular for an addiction later in life, the health effects of substance abuse for those over the age of 65 can be even more dangerous than in younger users.
A rapidly growing health problem in the United States is Drug and Alcohol abuse among the elderly. According to the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, drug misuse within older citizens can be grouped into two general types the "hardy survivor," or those who have been misusing drugs for several years and have attained 65, and the "late onset" squad, which is those who develop dependence at a later stage in life. Help and treatment can be taken advantage by elderly addicts in spite of their age.
Undercalculation and under diagnosis of addiction among people 65 and up can limit them from receiving the support they require.
Factors Of Addiction In The Elderly
There are several things involved in contributing to someone turning to substance abuse later in life. These could turn out to be health-related concerns or life-changing situations that assume an emotional toll.
Substance abuse can be seen as a solution to these situations, which can lead to a comprehensive addiction. Pick up the phone and talk to us on if you or a loved one is battling substance abuse.
Likely precipitants for drug or alcohol addiction in the elderly are
- Retirement
- Death of someone close, or a pet.
- Loss of income or financial issues
- Resettlement or placement in a nursing home
- Insomnia
- Family conflict
- Physical or psychological health issues (depression, amnesia, life-threatening operations, etc.)
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The Dangers Of Senior Citizen Substance Abuse
Substance or alcohol misuse among the older individuals particularly very risky because elderly people are highly vulnerable to the dropping consequences of these drugs.
Benzodiazepines, which are applied to heal anxiety, pain or sleep disorder, are a few of the most risky prescription drugs for the elderly. They are extremely addictive and easily prescribed. There has been rise in the rate of elderly addicted to benzos.
People above the age of 65 have a diminished capability to metabolize substances or alcohol together with a heightened brain sensitivity to them. This makes it very risky for elderly individuals to utilize substances or alcohol at all, despite the person being not addicted.
Distinguishing Addiction In The Elderly
The effects or symptoms manifested by elderly abusers could be mistaken with symptoms of dementia, diabetes and other health issues suffered by older people.
Thus it gets easier for doctors who experience an older patient to chalk up declining mental or physical health simply to "old age".
Signs Of Addiction In Senior Citizens
The mental health, physical health and personal relationships of people may start to deteriorate as they get older. Even though dependence can be troublesome to identify in this demographic, it's really vital to take note to any strange symptoms your aging loved one shows.
Drug usage in the elderly can sow itself in signs including
- Memory troubles
- Erratic sleeping habits
- Unexplained bruises
- Feeling irritable, sad and depressed
- Persistent aches or pains
- Changes in eating habits
- Want to be left alone
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Losing ties with loved ones
- Lack of interest in regular activities
It is important to look for a rehab facility when you recognize an addiction, especially one with a particular expertise with addiction among elderly.
You should identify plans that particularize in this form of dependence and as well provide case management services, as people above 65 usually lack the social help highly needed during recuperating. Approach to medical, psychiatric and social resources to permit for a healthy lifestyle to continue after treatment is offered to the seniors by these case management services.
Senior Citizen Misuse Statistics
The reason for concern and something that should not be ignored by medical professionals, caretakers or family members, is the alarming rate at which individuals 65 years and older are developing addictions to various substances.