Addiction in seniors is a significant public health issue. It often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed due to several factors. But it’s essential to realize that addiction doesn’t discriminate by age and can impact people from all walks of life. It can often feel taboo to talk about seniors and addiction, but keeping the phenomenon secret can drive the problem further into the shadows.
This age group faces unique challenges when it comes to substance abuse, as seniors and elderly adults are affected differently than younger populations. Substance use disorders in this demographic often require specialized approaches due to their distinct health risks and needs.
Understanding the unique challenges and common addictions senior citizens face becomes more and more important as the overall population ages. Among elderly adults, alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, and drug abuse are particularly prevalent, with alcohol and prescription drug abuse affecting up to 17% of adults over the age of 60. Substance use disorders are a rapidly growing health problem among older adults in the United States, primarily involving alcohol and prescription drugs, according to the National Institute of Mental Health and the Mental Health Services Administration.
Common Addictions in Seniors
As the body ages, older adults metabolize substances more slowly than younger individuals, making them more sensitive and susceptible to the effects of drugs and alcohol, and placing them at greater health risk. There is specific, targeted addiction treatment available for seniors struggling with addiction at Lennox CMHC.
Illicit drug use usually declines after young adulthood. But nearly one million adults 65 and older are living with a substance use disorder (SUD). Any addiction can affect older adults, but these are the most prevalent:
Alcohol and prescription drug misuse are most common, but other drugs—including illicit substances—can also be a concern for this age group.
Alcohol
Alcohol use disorder is often overlooked in older people, and can be made worse by taking certain medications. About 65% of people 65 and older report high-risk drinking, making alcohol the most used drug among older people.
Prescription Drugs
Chronic health problems tend to develop as people age, and older adults are frequently prescribed more medications than other age groups. This can lead to a higher use rate of potentially addictive prescription medications, especially opioids, sedatives, and benzodiazepines.
Nicotine Addiction
While many people smoke tobacco as a lifelong habit, quitting is beneficial at any age. A CDC study indicated that the rate of nicotine use is lower than that for younger adults, but older people who don’t quit smoking have a higher risk of becoming physically frail.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Most older adults aren’t familiar with the appropriate dose of over-the-counter medications (OTC medications) or how they interact with other medications. Over-the-counter medications are widely used among seniors for self-medication, but they have the potential for abuse and can interact dangerously with prescription drugs. Many health providers don’t ask about or don’t know which OTC medications their patients are taking. This can lead to common misuse of cough syrups, laxatives, and other OTC medications.
Signs of Addiction in Older Adults
Recognizing the signs of seniors and addiction can be difficult because they may mimic other age-related conditions and may be explained as normal effects of aging.
Behavioral changes that may indicate addiction in older adults include:
- Increased secrecy
- Onset of agitation or irritability
- Mood swings
- Personal hygiene neglect
- Withdrawing from social contact
Physical signs of addiction may include:
- Tremors
- Increased falls
- Episodes of confusion
- Memory loss
- Memory problems
- Slurred speech
- Unexplained changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Empty bottles (or other debris from drug use) in the garbage, or hidden from view
Financial problems that may result from addiction include:
- Missing money
- Unexplained debt
- Frequently asking for money
Health changes may indicate a burgeoning addiction, including:
- New emerging health issues
- Worsening of existing conditions
- Frequent visits to the doctor to fill or obtain prescriptions, or changing doctors to get multiple prescriptions (doctor shopping)
Causes of Addiction in Seniors
Causes of addiction in seniors often come from a combination of factors. Not all may be true for each individual. However, significant life changes can be triggers for substance abuse in older adults. Many seniors turn to substances as a coping mechanism for these life changes. Aging brings many unique challenges that can instigate addiction if individuals don’t plan or account for them happening.
Chronic Pain
Many older adults have chronic pain from conditions like neuropathy or arthritis. Constant pain can cause increased reliance on prescription pain medications and OTC drugs. This can escalate into addiction to substances that the older person uses to control the pain.
Reduced Mobility and Physical Disabilities
This can cause inactivity, isolation, and a dependence on substances to help cope with limitations.
Medication Misuse
Older adults frequently take multiple prescription and OTC medications and may not be aware of possible interactions or side effects. This can lead to accidental misuse, dependence, and drug interactions that may increase the risk of addiction.
Underlying Mental Health Problems
Anxiety disorders, depression disorders, and other mental health issues can co-occur with addiction. This often goes untreated in older adults. In addition, aging can contribute to cognitive decline, making it harder for individuals to follow prescriptions and care for themself in general.
Grief and Loss
Experiencing the loss of a spouse, friends, or one’s health can trigger emotional distress that can lead to substance abuse to cope.
Retirement and Loss of Purpose and Identity
Transitioning to retirement can lead to a loss of purpose and routine, which can be difficult for some older adults. This change can lead to a feeling of emptiness or loss of identity that they may fill with substance use.
Loneliness and Social Isolation
The loss of loved ones, mobility issues, and decreased social interaction (especially after retirement) can lead to feelings of loneliness. Some seniors will attempt to self-medicate these feelings.
Lack of Support
Some older adults may not have a strong support system of friends and family. Many older adults do not possess the support systems required to successfully reach sobriety, making case management services crucial. This makes it hard to deal with the challenges of life, potentially leading to substance use.
Shame and Stigma
Seniors may hesitate to seek help for addiction because of the stigma linked to drug use, particularly in older generations born around or before America’s “war on drugs” in the 1970s.
Economic Worries
Retirement and financial concerns can be notable stressors for some older adults and may lead to substance use.
Family History
A history of addiction in the family can increase the risk of substance abuse in older people.
Early Use of Substances
A history of addiction earlier in life may make a person more susceptible to relapse or continuing use later in life. This is especially true if the person perceives there to be fewer or less intense consequences due to advanced age.
Lack of Awareness and Education
Having limited knowledge about the risks of substance use can contribute to addiction in older adults. This is especially true of prescription drug addiction, which can be triggered unknowingly by someone using medication they perceive as safe to use without limitations.
Addiction Treatment Options for Seniors
Older adults struggling with addiction face unique struggles, such as co-occurring health conditions, increased isolation, and more. Individuals may not be using drugs to get high, but to reduce physical pain or cope with emotional problems. So it’s important to take these factors into account. A focus on specialized older adult treatment programs is essential, as these are tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by seniors. Rehabilitation, including rehab for seniors, helps reduce the risk of complications or readmission for seniors after a hospital stay.
Post-hospitalization rehabilitation is essential for seniors to regain strength and independence after a hospital stay. This type of rehab supports recovery and helps prevent further health decline. Longer treatment durations tend to yield better results for older adults in addiction recovery.
Elderly individuals in Los Angeles have access to a robust network of rehabilitation services designed to help them regain independence and manage chronic conditions. Los Angeles offers a variety of specialized rehabilitation programs for seniors, ranging from short-term post-acute care to comprehensive inpatient treatment for complex conditions. Retirement communities can also provide supportive environments for seniors in recovery, offering social opportunities and access to amenities.
Treatment options for seniors facing addiction include:
- Medical Detox: Patients are monitored and stabilized through the withdrawal process, with the intent being to alleviate potential long-term physical effects of withdrawal.
- Residential Program: Individuals live at the treatment facility, where there is constant monitoring, a structured routine, and 24-hour access to treatment staff.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Although this is technically an outpatient program, the intensity and structure of a PHP rehab more closely resemble a residential program. Treatment sessions take place at the facility, and the patients go home each evening.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP treatment requires fewer hours at the treatment facility, while still being an effective option for individuals who still need support.
- Outpatient Program (OP): Standard outpatient programs are a good way to continue treatment after completing a higher level of care.
- Inpatient Rehabilitation: Necessary for seniors who require 24-hour medical care and nursing services, providing a safe environment for intensive therapy and monitoring. Older adults may require inpatient care due to greater health risks associated with addiction, which can influence treatment costs.
- In-Home Rehabilitation Services: Provided by licensed healthcare professionals, these services may include monitoring vitals, administering care, and offering therapy in the comfort of the senior’s home. In-home rehab is typically offered only a few times a week and lacks the peer support provided in group care settings.
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment: When a co-occurring mental illness is also present, a dual diagnosis program is essential for long-term sobriety. Both conditions must be treated simultaneously, so that relapse does not take place due to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Treatment-Focused Therapy: Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have been proven to be effective in treating SUDs in older adults. Specialized rehabilitation services for elderly individuals in Los Angeles include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as cardiac, pulmonary, and cognitive care.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment: Depending on the addiction, there are pharmacological options for providing someone relief from the physical aspects of addiction (including cravings). Rehabilitation programs for seniors typically include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
- Holistic Therapies: Comprehensive addiction treatment for seniors may also include holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and other wellness practices to support overall well-being.
- Case Management Services: Effective addiction treatment for seniors often includes case management services, which provide older adults with direct access to social, psychiatric, and medical resources that facilitate ongoing recovery and healthier lifestyles.
Medical professionals play a critical role in assessing each senior’s needs and developing a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the right program—whether inpatient or outpatient—is selected based on the individual’s health status and risks. Addiction can significantly impact an older adult’s physical health, making comprehensive care and monitoring essential throughout recovery.
The costs of addiction treatment can vary widely depending on the type of program and the level of care required. Insurance coverage for addiction treatment can differ significantly, so it is important for individuals to check their specific plan details. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded healthcare access, making it easier for people to seek treatment for substance use disorders. It may be possible to use Medicare to help pay for substance use treatment, but costs and coverage vary by plan.
Lennox CMHC, Inc. provides specialized, upscale addiction rehab addressing age-related challenges and stigma with HIPAA-compliant, age-specific care.
A personalized rehabilitation care plan is crucial for addressing the unique needs of each senior during their recovery. These care plans can also include training for family caregivers to help maintain the skills learned in rehab and support ongoing progress at home.
The Value of Addiction Treatment for Seniors
Rehabilitation programs for seniors provide social interaction, which can help reduce depression or anxiety related to physical injury or loss of mobility. Cognitive support is often included to help seniors recover from hospital-induced delirium and other cognitive challenges. The rehabilitation process is typically organized around therapy sessions, meals, and supportive care to promote healing.
It is important to verify insurance information with your insurance provider to understand coverage for different treatment options and ensure access to the most appropriate level of care.
Barriers to Seeking Treatment
Older adults may feel resistant to entering treatment for addiction. They may have ideas or attitudes about treatment that are no longer relevant in today’s world. It’s important to be aware of these attitudes and be prepared to answer them for the sake of accuracy and supporting their recovery.
- Perceived Stigma of Addiction: Some caregivers don’t feel comfortable talking about substance misuse because of their negative views of SUDs. They may also think that asking about the issue would intrude on the senior’s life or independence.
- Denial: Family and friends can ignore or accept older adults’ substance use as unchangeable if it’s been going on for a while. Family members play a crucial role in recognizing signs of addiction and supporting their older loved ones in seeking help and appropriate care.
- Accepting Attitudes: Some older adults live in settings where peers, family, and caregivers are accepting of heavy alcohol and drug use in older adults, perhaps because they perceive it as their “one last pleasure.”
- Lack of Knowledge: Friends and family may not realize that older adults go through physiological changes that make the effects of substances more dangerous.
- Misinformation about Treatment: Some individuals have the false belief that older adults don’t need to seek treatment for addiction because it’s “too late.” However, evidence shows that treatment for older adults has positive outcomes and can improve health and quality of life.
How to Talk to an Elderly Relative About Rehab
Clear communication between family caregivers and healthcare providers is essential to understand the senior’s rehabilitation needs and to keep families informed and aligned with care goals. Family caregivers may need to assist with daily activities and mobility as seniors recover, and should be aware of available resources and support services to aid in their caregiving role. Respite care services can provide temporary relief for family caregivers during the rehabilitation process.
Receive Help for Seniors with Addiction at Lennox CMHC
If you or a senior in your life is struggling with addiction, there is help at Lennox CMHC in Van Nuys, CA. We provide outpatient treatment options, including PHP, IOP, and a dual diagnosis treatment program. If you aren’t able to come in person for treatment, we can come to you through our Telehealth program.
Older adults deserve to enjoy their retirement years, not struggle with a substance use disorder. There is no time to wait. Contact us today and learn more about how older people can heal from addiction.