Special Needs of the Elderly with Drug or Alcohol Addiction

By Jill Gonzalez

While most people do not automatically think of the elderly when they think about people with drug problems, this age group is at particular risk for developing addictions to both drugs and alcohol.

The primary reason that the elderly are at such a great risk is because they are generally given a multitude of prescription medications to deal with the health problems that crop up during the aging process. The older people get, the more likely they are to have to take at least one regular medication on a daily basis.

Also, elderly people tend to suffer from chronic pain. As they continue to age, they may experience several different types of pain. With pain often comes the need for regular doses of pain killers, as well as the likelihood of developing an addiction.

The most challenging aspect of addictions among the elderly is simply realizing that there is a problem. The majority of older adults are either embarrassed to talk about their addictions or they honestly do not have any idea that they have an addiction. This makes it extremely important for friends and family members to pay close attention to the behaviors of their loved one so that they can step in and offer help if such a situation arises.

If an elderly person you know does have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you should approach any conversation with them cautiously. Try not to be accusatory or aggressive during your conversation, and do not talk down to the person, either. You must realize that the elderly are generally very sensitive about the fact that they have developed an addiction, so they are likely to be reluctant to discuss the issue.

A huge challenge in working with elderly individuals who have drug or alcohol addictions is trying to figure out which of their pains are legitimate, and which ones are a result of the drugs or alcohol (or withdrawing from the drugs or alcohol). Any legitimate pain that someone is experiencing will still need to be managed even through the process of withdrawal. This can be a very complex issue, and it is always best dealt with by medical professionals.

In many instances, it is recommended that elderly patients be admitted to substance abuse facilities so that they can receive around-the-clock care during their treatment process. There are treatment centers that specialize in the needs of the elderly, particularly in determining methods of treatment that do not involve the continued regular use of prescription drugs. Keep in mind, however, that these types of decisions must always be made by medical professionals. It is not recommended that anyone stop using a prescribed medication without the recommendation or assistance of a qualified physician.

If this is not a possibility for you or your loved one, consider enlisting the services of a substance abuse counselor in your area.