As a result, seniors are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders and addiction-related behaviors like seeking out drugs despite negative consequences. Despite the known trends of increasing substance abuse among elderly people, geriatric addictions remain under-identified and undertreated. In general, https://www.soykayainsaat.com/crafting-a-strong-relapse-prevention-plan-for/ primary care physicians and specialists do not routinely assess or screen older adults for substance use disorders. Ageism may contribute to a pattern of under-diagnosis; behavior considered a problem in younger adults often does not engender the same urgency for care in older adults.
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Other comorbidities can make treating SUD in an elderly patient even more challenging. This can happen substance abuse in older adults when older adults have access to different medicines prescribed by multiple doctors. When patients abuse their drugs – either intentionally or accidentally, it increases their risk of developing addictions.
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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. There exist numerous screening and diagnostic tools for alcohol and substance use in the general population; however, these tools must be validated in the geriatric population due to alcoholism the unique social characteristics of older adults. Several screening tools have been adapted or validated for use in older adults, particularly for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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- Between 2016 and 2020, the prevalence of use of cannabis among adults 65 years and older increased significantly, from 3.3% to 6%.
- Older adults have impairments in drug metabolism and elimination, causing opioids to be more potent and have longer duration of action than predicted in older adults compared to younger adults 59.
- Working with clients in this population can certainly create a lot of frustration, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
However, the available research does point to some specific risks and consequences. It is important to note, though, that some prescription opioid drugs, particularly prescription fentanyl, are stronger than heroin. Opioid medications work by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors and interrupting pain signals.
- For example, increased permeability of the blood brain barrier, decreased liver metabolism, and increased body fat predispose older adults to alcohol toxicity 16, 17.
- This population’s use and possible overuse of these medications has been historically normalized.
- These changes create stress, and people may abuse drugs and alcohol to cope with that stress.
- To learn more about the early intervention needed in substance abuse, read about why early intervention matters in substance abuse.