• Pallab Nath
• July 11, 2023

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), under the umbrella of the National Institute of Health (NIH), also has information on aging and Alzheimer’s research that can be beneficial to therapists working with older adults suffering with substance use disorders. 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.

• The abundance of missed opportunities for screening and treating older adults with substance use problems will have devastating consequences if they are not appropriately addressed moving forward.
• Taking part in 12-step program meetings such as Alcoholic Anonymous is an important approach to relapse prevention and treatment in general.
• It can also happen due to cognitive decline, which is a normal part of aging, or disregard for warning labels.
• In recent years, the U.S. government and many state governments have tightened opioid restrictions, and many doctors prescribe opioids less frequently.

Box 2 Potential indicators of substance misuse and abuse.

Embracing the flux of an elderly person’s choice between growth and stagnation can lead them to examine the benefits of change more closely and ultimately determine the course of action that is best for them. Putting their mindset under a therapeutic microscope can assist clients in deeply contemplating their substance use within the context of the trajectory of the remainder of their lives. Similarly, another DSM criterion – spending a lot of time on activities necessary to obtain and use a substance or recover from its effects – is irrelevant to older adults. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Mitchell Arnovitz and Jenny Lin. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Some specific considerations may help older adults and their loved ones find the right care.

• These websites are maintained by third parties over which we exercise no control, and for which we have no responsibility.
• The health effects of substance use in the geriatric population can be more dangerous than in younger substance abusers.
• This means that drugs can stay in their system longer and have a more significant effect.
• On the other hand, disulfiram should generally be avoided in older adults due to its contraindications with cerebrovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, etc., that are more common in older adults 29.

Help from the 988 Lifeline

These programs recognize that various demographics face specific challenges and stressors, and they provide treatment that addresses those issues. Rehab centers often offer specialized programs, such drug addiction as addiction treatment for LGBTQ people, veterans, and young adults. Older adults, as well as family members and caregivers, can take steps to prevent accidental drug misuse.

• For instance, an older adult may accidentally double their dose of a prescription after forgetting that they have already taken their medication.
• The reasons for this type of addiction involve tolerant attitudes toward substance use, family conflict, and financial troubles.
• Similarly, drug abuse can exacerbate conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory issues, increasing the risk of medical complications and reducing overall well-being.
• Other comorbidities can make treating SUD in an elderly patient even more challenging.

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Additionally, the effects of some drugs—like impaired judgment, coordination, or reaction time—can result in accidents, such as falls and motor vehicle crashes. These sorts of injuries can pose a greater risk to health than in younger adults and coincide with a possible longer recovery time. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), providers may confuse symptoms of substance use with other signs of aging, including chronic health conditions or reactions to stressful, life-changing events. Denial of addiction may be stronger in older adults than in younger people, but it is worth the effort to engage the patient and the patient’s family in recovery efforts and learn new ways of communicating. Outcomes for older people are often as good as or better than for younger people.

The opioid crisis in the U.S. has had a major impact on older adults, according to opioid addiction research. Older adults often experience several major life changes within a short timeframe. For instance, an older adult may accidentally double substance abuse in older adults their dose of a prescription after forgetting that they have already taken their medication. Make sure your primary doctor has a list of all the medications you take, even over-the-counter ones.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening older adults for alcohol misuse 8. Several screening tools have been adapted or validated for use in older adults, particularly for AUD, and are described in Table 2. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) single-item screener is a single question used to screen for unhealthy https://aiseek.wiki/effective-strategies-for-relapse-prevention-in/ alcohol use that has been validated in the primary care setting. It asks patients how many times in the past year they have had five (for men) or four (for women) or more drinks in a day 12.