Substance Abuse & Seniors

The Baby Boomer generation is fast approaching retirement age, if they are not there already. As the number of older adults in America increases and medical technologies and advances lengthen and improve life, the health needs of this population have become a topic of interest for scholars and policymakers alike. Of the substance-abuse-related admissions to treatment facilities during 2005, admissions of adults aged 50 or older accounted for 10%.

What leads a senior to engage in substance abuse?

Seniors abuse substances for reasons that are similar to those of any other population. Senior citizens may experience a large number of stressors related to limited financial resources; decreasing social support as friends and loved ones age and pass away; poor physical and/or mental health; and increased burdens of caring for spouses or other aging family members. Any one of these can cause stress, but in combination, they can be overwhelming and lead to depression and anxiety. If the individual has not developed healthy coping strategies throughout his or her life, they may turn to an easy outlet to escape from reality. Additionally, older age is associated with more health problems and pain in various forms, which may result in abuse of or addiction to substances in an effort to “self-medicate”.

What substances do older adults abuse?

Because it is legal and relatively inexpensive, seniors may begin to abuse alcohol. As a common part of social situations, alcohol does not carry the same stigma that other, “harder” drugs may carry. A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association indicates that alcohol abuse was the primary reason for substance-abuse-related admissions for individuals above 50 years old. The next most common reason for this type of admission was opiate abuse, many of which are available in the form of prescription medicines such as OxyContin and Vicodin.

While a senior may abuse or become addicted to any substance, prescription medications are particularly easy to abuse since many seniors have these in their possession – or know of someone who does like a spouse, friend, or family member – for the treatment of pain or a chronic illness. The abuse may seem harmless at first as the individual increases a dose or the frequency of a dose, without first consulting a physician, because of pain. However, if the behavior does not change, abuse can turn into addiction.

What are signs of substance abuse in the elderly?

Signs of substance abuse in seniors are similar to those in any other population.

• Changes in mood (depression, anxiety)

• Changes in social life (isolation, less attention to hygiene)

• Cognitive changes (memory loss, impaired thought)

• Physical/health problems associated with the substance in question

• Changes in behavior (losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed, aggression)

Are certain senior citizens at a higher risk than others?

The following factors may increase the risk of substance abuse:

• Previous history of substance abuse (relapse)

• Personal or family history of psychiatric illness, including addiction

• Insufficient support systems

• Having inadequate and/or unhealthy coping strategies

• Being male

• Possibly, veteran status