No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. 8 years of nursing experience in wide variety of behavioral and addition settings that include adult inpatient and outpatient mental health services with substance use disorders, and geriatric long-term care and hospice care. He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture.
Esther has been with Hemet Valley Recovery Center since 2008, having over 16 years of experience in the field of Chemical Dependency. Esther received a Certificate of Achievement in Addiction Studies at San Diego City College and has been a certified CADCII since 2002. Esther’s extensive knowledge in Crisis Intervention has helped her motivate many individuals suffering from substance abuse issues take the first steps towards healing. Boling said that even if you take blood pressure medication and your blood pressure is under control, decongestants can increase your BP levels, which is why it’s important to ask the pharmacist for help choosing a safer option.
Dangers Of Substance Abuse in Older Adults
She also shares her 12 years of administrative & customer service experience as a member of the intake/admissions department. At Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, we understand the unique challenges faced by 55+ adults struggling with addiction. Our compassionate, tailored https://ecosoberhouse.com/ approach aims to restore sobriety, joy and dignity in the golden years. If you suspect an elderly loved one is battling substance abuse, reach out for professional guidance and support. Together, we can help them enjoy their senior years with the health and happiness they deserve.
The risk of drug interactions and side effects is even greater among the many older adults who take prescription drugs. The most common health reasons for taking the drugs, according to the review, were headache, abdominal pain, cough, joint pain, and fever. The number one malady cited by participants was a headache, and the most commonly used nonprescription drugs were pain relievers. A recent review of over two dozen studies found that people aged 60 and older rely more heavily on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs than younger adults, often without realizing that they come with health risks and side effects. More than 2.8 million seniors over 50 had a substance use disorder between 2002 and 2006 alone.
Physical And Mental Consequences Of Drug Abuse
Symptoms of this damage include long-term low oxygen intake with each breath, neurological complications like seizures, and anemia. A drug that is similar to pseudoephedrine, called phenylephrine, has been determined to be ineffective, so toss it out if you still have it at home. An alternative that Barenholtz Levy recommends is a decongestant nasal spray such as Afrin (oxymetazoline), which stays in the nose instead of traveling to the bloodstream. Flonase (fluticasone) and Rhinocort (budesonide) also treat congestion but can increase eye pressure in people with glaucoma. Drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and aspirin. That’s especially concerning if you take blood thinners, or if you have uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, Barenholtz Levy said.
The consensus panel recommends that you actively link older clients to age-sensitive case management and ongoing recovery supports for older adults. Family, caregivers, and community-based mutual-help groups are key elements of recovery support for older adults. Social skills training helps older adults grow or improve social networks to decrease the effects of substance use, loneliness, and depression in their lives. Social skills training helps clients keep existing or create new social networks that support reduced drinking or abstinence.
Why Do Seniors Abuse Drugs and Alcohol?
We do not receive any compensation or commission for referrals to other treatment facilities. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Some specific considerations may help older adults and their loved ones find the right care. If rehab programs lack appropriate accommodations, they may prevent older adults with disabilities from receiving treatment. Addiction is an isolating disorder, and feelings of isolation can trigger alcohol and drug use. When used appropriately, these replacement opioids do not cause euphoria, but they do reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms.
Fentanyl creates a high risk of overdose and death, as it is often mixed into batches of street heroin and other drugs without the buyer’s knowledge. In the early years of the opioid crisis, pharmaceutical companies de-emphasized the addictive nature of prescription opioids, leading doctors substance abuse in older adults to prescribe them in large amounts. The opioid crisis in the U.S. has had a major impact on older adults, according to opioid addiction research. Though marijuana addiction is far more rare than other types of addiction, it is not impossible to develop a marijuana use disorder.
Binge drinking equates to about five or more drinks in two hours for men, and four or more drinks in two hours for women, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. People in the older population experience more social difficulties than younger adults, often experiencing loneliness and isolation. For instance, an older adult may accidentally double their dose of a prescription after forgetting that they have already taken their medication. Fortunately, even if you have a severe substance use disorder, help is at hand. Opioids and benzodiazepines are also heavily abused among the older demographic, with regular prescription use often snowballing into dependence, tolerance, and addiction. If you’re concerned, talk to a doctor or nurse you trust to learn more about how you can get help.
They show how to use prevention strategies and clinical interventions that match risk levels in Exhibit 4.9. The program does not support use of labels such as “alcoholic,” which may benefit older adults who feel shame and fear discrimination or judgment because of having AUD. SMART Recovery, like AA, offers chances for older adults to improve their recovery and quality of life by serving as volunteers. Asking them about their own use of alcohol and other substances and history of mental disorders. Although naltrexone’s potential side effects are relatively benign (e.g., dizziness, nausea, reduced appetite, increased daytime sleepiness), they can be significant in older adults.739 Clinicians should monitor older clients appropriately.
They give you drugs or alcohol
Use them under doctor’s orders and only for the length of time the doctor advises. Our professional and friendly addiction specialists are able to answer your questions and get things moving in the right direction. The content, including without limitation any viewpoint or opinion in any profile, article or video, contained on this website is for informational purposes only.
