Communication should be as clear and straightforward as possible, taking into account age-related brain changes, both normal and abnormal. It is easy to get frustrated with an older person abusing substances, sometimes more so than with one in another age group, because they’re very defensive and set in their ways. As a person ages, total body water and lean body mass decrease. The liver processes alcohol more slowly, and brain neuronal receptor sensitivity to alcohol and blood-brain barrier permeability increase.
Alcohol Abuse and Misuse
It is possible to have a mild substance use disorder where you might still be able to control it on your own with family support or counseling. Other times it can be more severe and require professional help such as inpatient treatment or medication to recover. Early recognition and treatment are some of the best ways to help anyone struggling with substance abuse issues. Educational campaigns targeting older adults and their caregivers can improve awareness of the signs of substance abuse and available treatment options. By increasing understanding, more individuals can take proactive steps toward recovery. One of the main reasons substance abuse in older adults is overlooked is that its symptoms often mimic those of aging or chronic illnesses.
Statistics on Addiction Treatment
Explain what will take place during and after the screening and assessment so that the individual knows what to expect. Living in the home with someone who misuses substances or has a mental disorder. The SMAST-G is the first brief alcohol misuse screener developed for older adults.
Impact of Aging on Addiction
Worsening of sleep apnea and other breathing-related sleep conditions. Decide whether other conditions are present that need to be addressed during treatment. Adapting to major life changes, like retiring or moving into an assisted living residence. Assessments give detailed information for diagnosis, treatment decisions, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and treatment planning. Doctors might not know how to check for addiction in seniors. Many seniors deal with constant pain from illnesses like arthritis.
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- It’s been called the “invisible epidemic.” But knowing what to look out for can help you protect yourself or a loved one.
- Keep in mind that DSM-5 criteria should be interpreted in an age-appropriate manner.
- Online help is also available for seniors struggling with addiction.
There are numerous substance use and mental health treatment options open to older individuals. Seniors struggling with addiction may face unique struggles, such as increased isolation, co-morbid health conditions, and more. This article will discuss addiction among seniors, health risks, and treatment options. If your program Substance abuse cannot offer treatment for SUDs, refer your clients to counseling and tailored psychosocial supports that have the capacity to meet older adults’ unique needs. You should refer to the level of care that is the least intense yet will address all the client’s needs. Having a first-degree relative (i.e., a parent, child, sister, or brother) who misuses substances.
- These substances make chemical changes in the brain and, over time, may lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior, cravings, and a lack of control over drug use patterns, indicating that misuse may have developed into an addiction.
- The DSM criterion related to giving up or reducing important social, recreational, or occupational activities in favor of substance use is similarly inapplicable.
- A full assessment of sleep should include an assessment for sleep apnea, which may involve an in-home or in-clinic overnight sleep study.
- This will help you respond appropriately to any client’s reports of abuse and self-harm.
- Screening is the process of evaluating whether symptoms of substance misuse are present.
- Remember that a wide range of providers in many different settings can be involved in helping to identify, screen, and assess older clients for substance misuse.
Sometimes referral to an outside provider (e.g., licensed psychologist, substance abuse in older adults clinical social worker) is needed, depending on the expertise of the staff members in your program. However, even more follow-up sessions may be needed depending on the setting, the severity of the substance misuse, and clients’ responses. Questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” can seem harsh or judgmental. Older clients might already feel ashamed and uncomfortable talking about their substance use. Closed-ended questions could make those feelings even worse and cause clients to “shut down.” On the other hand, open-ended questions can help clients become aware of and express their own experiences and motivations related to substance use.
Referral and Treatment Locators
Substance abuse rates among older adults are expected to grow as the Baby Boomer generation ages, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions.
The signs and symptoms of substance misuse can be easily mistaken for normal aging or physical or mental disorders common in older populations. Full assessments often involve several members of the care team, depending on the setting and available resources of your program. Which care team members contribute to the full assessment depends on the qualifications and level of expertise needed to address the client’s problems. For instance, the assessment may start with a certified drug and alcohol counselor or other licensed provider taking a complete psychosocial history.
This means teaching them about the dangers and promoting healthy habits. Elderly substance abuse recovery efforts need a broad strategy for stopping addiction before it starts. Many of them help with mental health, too, offering things like mood tracking and meditation.
Not all people will have the same signs or symptoms of a substance use disorder. For example, some people with alcohol use disorders may occasionally binge drink, while others drink daily. Substance use disorders are characterized by intense, uncontrollable cravings for drugs and compulsive drug-seeking behaviors – even in the face of devastating consequences. Substance use can result in psychological and physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. This type of disorder is particularly concerning when it affects seniors, as they can be especially vulnerable to the consequences of drug addiction. Older people are more sensitive to the sedative (sleep-inducing) effects of alcohol, as well as its effects on balance, coordination, attention, and driving skills.