To combat stigma and overcome barriers to treatment, it is essential to raise awareness and provide education about substance abuse in older adults. This can be done through https://leks.bg/sober-living/what-is-a-high-functioning-alcoholic-understanding/ community programs, support groups, and healthcare provider training. By increasing understanding and reducing stigma, older adults can feel more comfortable and empowered to seek treatment.
Early detection and tailored interventions are crucial for safeguarding the health and quality of life of older adults facing substance use disorder. Family members and healthcare providers must educate themselves about the signs of substance abuse in older adults. Older adults and their family members may feel shame over seeking treatment, but recovery at every age is possible. Similarly, seniors’ brains are typically more sensitive to the effects of substance use.
Recovery@50Plus: Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Older Adults
In 1999, the annual death rate due to opioid overdose per 100,000 persons 55 years or older was 0.90 compared to 10.70 in 2019 58. The fatality rate was highest among non-Hispanic Black men 55 years or older, with a rate of 40.03 per 100,000 persons 58. The treatment of cannabis use disorder in older adults is similar to that of the general population. Cannabis use disorder treatment is primarily done through CBT, motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management (CM) with a combination of the three modalities producing the best outcomes 47. It’s essential to pay attention to these signs and seek professional help if you suspect that an older adult is struggling with a substance use disorder. Early intervention can prevent further harm and improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Dwindling Social Support
Even low levels of drinking can lead to negative health effects in older adults because of age-related physical changes, negative interactions between alcohol and commonly used medications, and decreases in physical and cognitive functioning (thinking abilities). If a patient’s screening results are positive, a clinician should conduct a brief assessment, including asking about the frequency and severity of alcohol use, the type and frequency of problems due to use, and physical and mental factors impacted by alcohol use. A complete substance use assessment includes full mental health, medical, family, vocational, social, sexual, financial, legal, substance use, and SUD treatment histories. A health history and physical exam should be conducted to identify common co-occurring conditions such as sleep disturbances and chronic pain that may be suggestive of substance misuse. A physical health assessment and laboratory workup can identify medical problems related to substance use that may need treatment, as well as identify comorbidities such as liver disease and potential drug-drug interactions that can determine choice of treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13% of Americans reported increasing or starting substance use to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 75.
How to Prevent Substance Misuse in Seniors
The physical reaction of disulfiram and alcohol can be harmful in older adults which makes it less recommended in the geriatric population 41, 42. Furthermore, use of disulfiram requires patients adhering to strict medication protocols and monitoring of compliance 43. Disulfiram should be used with caution in older adults due to higher rates of medical comorbidities, but as always, the decision to initiate depends on the overall risk/benefit ratio. Belonging to an older cohort decreased the probability of ever receiving treatment (Blanco et al., 2015). Consistent with this study, NSDUH data indicate that among adults ages 65 and older with SUD, in 2018, 24 percent received treatment for drug use disorders, and 16.8 percent received treatment for alcohol use disorders (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2019). The NSDUH does not publish disaggregated treatment data on individuals ages 65 and older.
In fact, the number of older adults dying from alcohol-related causes rose by 18.2 percent between 2019 and 2020. Working with clients in this population can certainly create a lot of frustration, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Counselors can experience many problematic mental health marijuana addiction symptoms when burnt out such as toxic negativity; isolation or social withdrawal; anhedonia (loss of interest); or feeling keyed up, angry, or on edge. Suntai et al. found that, among older adults, Black older adults were 37% less likely to complete a substance use treatment program than Whites, while Hispanic older adults were 26% more likely to complete a substance use treatment than Whites 84.
- Therefore, substance use among young adults can inevitably hinder and impair brain development.
- Substance use disorders are characterized by intense, uncontrollable cravings for drugs and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors – even in the face of devastating consequences.
- Rose likes this idea and feels confident that she can express her concerns to both of Ed’s providers and ask for their help in addressing Ed’s alcohol misuse.
RESOURCES
Han et al. found that, among adults 65 years and older, an estimated 1.2% reported past-year prescription opioid misuse in 2015–2016 56. Family members and caregivers can recognize substance use disorder in older adults by observing changes in behavior, physical appearance, and social interactions. Signs may include mood swings, neglect of personal hygiene, unexplained injuries, and withdrawal from social activities. It’s important to approach the issue with empathy and support, encourage open communication, and offer assistance in seeking professional help or treatment. Substance abuse can impair cognitive function in older adults, leading to problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. Chronic alcohol abuse, for example, can cause cognitive deficits resembling dementia and increase the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT
Establishing a thorough history of substance use can help providers identify possible substance misuse or concerns and provide an opportunity for education and prevention for older adults with low or absent substance use. The prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among older adults in the United States is rising, but remains underdiagnosed, underreported, and inadequately managed. This review highlights the medical, social, substance abuse in older adults and cultural factors of AUD in older adults and provides guidelines for its screening, evaluation, and management. Drug or alcohol abuse among the elderly is particularly dangerous because senior citizens are more susceptible to the deteriorating effects of these substances.
What are the most common substances of misuse?
The brain does not finish developing until an individual reaches their mid to late 20s. Therefore, substance use among young adults can inevitably hinder and impair brain development. The chronic use of alcohol and other drugs during these years causes lasting consequences to brain structure and functioning. Binge drinking is defined as “drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other).” Data from the same report also showed that on an average day, 6.0 million older adults engaged in alcohol use. Figure 1 depicts a recommended algorithm for the screening and treatment of alcohol use disorders among older adults. Also, there is a need to improve the integration of mental health and general health services.
As a result, a given amount of alcohol results in a higher blood alcohol level in older adults and ultimately puts older adults at risk for intoxication and harm at a lower intake of alcohol 16. Getting treatment as soon as possible will help to reduce serious health complications caused by substance use. In rehab, seniors can acquire the skills needed to stop substance abuse and carry on healthy and productive lives. No matter an individual’s age, it is critical to understand how substance use uniquely affects different age groups. Education and early intervention are essential to achieve lasting recovery from SUD.