Alcohol & Substance Abuse in the Elderly Population

Physicians may suspect substance abuse in elderly patients who present with unexplained injuries, cognitive and motor difficulties, personality changes, poor hygiene, and sleep and appetite disturbances. After a diagnosis of chemical abuse leads to treatment, many seniors reap favorable results that may relate to their maturity, life experiences, motivation and good coping skills.

Prevalence

• According to a special report by Johns Hopkins Medicine, substance abuse by the elderly continues to rise. Government statistics report 12 percent of people over 50 admitted to binge drinking in one month in early 2009.

Significance

• The elderly often increase their use of drugs or alcohol during retirement. The problem may worsen during a spouse's illness or after the spouse's death, allowing the senior's drinking or use of medications to go unchecked.

Reasons

• The elderly may turn to alcohol or medications when experiencing grief, boredom, loneliness, depression, life changes, loss of income, health concerns or sleep difficulties.

Overlooking

• Medical practitioners and family members might disregard signs of substance abuse in the older person, attributing the symptoms to medical conditions or advanced age. Elderly persons may resort to deceptive behavior to conceal their drinking or drug use.

Helping

• Visit your elderly relative or friend to express concern for his well-being and to discuss the safe use of medications and alcohol. Avoid preaching, focusing instead on getting your relative the help he needs to live a healthy life.

Overcoming

• The older person's treatment program should include other senior citizens or a mix of ages so that she does not become uncomfortable with the program and drop out. She stands an excellent chance of overcoming destructive habits if she participates regularly in Alcoholics Anonymous or another 12-step program.