Treatment Barriers for Substance Abuse in the Elderly

Nine out of 10 seniors who have substance abuse problems never receive the help they need. This is because there are several roadblocks that can make diagnosing a substance abuse problem in the elderly difficult. And once a problem has been recognized, finding treatment can be a challenge. It is important for loved ones and physicians to act on any suspicions they may have and to do all they can to help an elderly loved one with a drug or alcohol problem.

Denial

• Family members and friends often look the other way when an elderly loved one has a substance abuse problem. They may see the person's drinking as a harmless pleasure that they don't want to deprive him of. This is especially true if their loved one is ill, homebound or lonely. Most people with substance abuse problems are in denial and won't admit that there's a problem, so they fail to seek treatment, even when family members ask them to.

Confusion With Other Health Conditions

• It is often hard for the friends and loved ones of someone who abuses alcohol or drugs to recognize the problem. Even the person's physician may not realize there is substance abuse because the symptoms mimic other conditions. The signs of substance abuse may be mistaken for what many people brush off as "old age." With advanced age, many seniors become depressed and anxious, develop dementia, or have frequent falls. Families may not realize that all of these symptoms are also signs of drug or alcohol abuse.

Difficulty Seeing the Signs

• When younger people have substance abuse problems, there are common signs. They may get arrested for drinking and driving. They may lose jobs because their addiction affects their work. But when elderly individuals retire or stop driving, those signs aren't present. This can make the addiction much less obvious to others, especially if the person lives alone.

Finding Help

• Less than 18 percent of drug and alcohol treatment facilities in the country offer specialized programs for the elderly. Those who do find programs often lack the transportation to make it to treatment sessions. For some, treatment is not covered by health insurance. For these reasons, many people who need treatment are unable to receive it. In addition, those who attend programs like AA often feel that they have nothing in common with younger members and fail to follow through. .