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As demographics change, cases of geriatric addictions are more frequently encountered in clinical practice. Substance abuse can complicate all aspects of the aging process physical and mental health. As clinicians, we can improve our skills at diagnosing and treating substance abuse in the elderly as we increase our awareness of the scope of this problem and gain better understanding in this important area of practice.
Although useful as an indicator of lifetime problem use, it lacks information about frequency, quantity, and current problems important for intervention. Problem substance use is characterized by those individuals who are already experiencing problems in the aforementioned areas as a result of their use. Identification of problem use among older adults does not depend on the quantity and frequency of use but on the context in which substances are used. For example, older adults may experience extreme problems with alcohol Halfway house even when ingesting it at minimal levels because of medical conditions, such as gout or pancreatitis. In fact, most seniors experience reduced tolerance due to age-related physiologic changes that augment the effects of alcohol and other drugs.
And buprenorphine, naloxone, and methadone are used in opiate, methamphetamine, and heroin use disorders. BZD use disorder, specifically, needs to be medically supervised with a slow taper spanning at least four weeks.3 See table 2 for more information about the pharmacologic treatment. Calling the number is free and confidential, but treatment services may involve costs depending on your insurance coverage and the level of care required. AddictionResource.net, and its parent company Recovery Guide LLC, is not a treatment provider and does not offer medical advice or clinical services. This advertisement is clearly marked and is separate from our editorial content.
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. After assessment, ensure that the client feels safe and ready to leave the session. Box 2 reviews the potential symptoms or indicators of problematic substance use. In just 2 minutes, you can speak with an admissions specialist, verify your insurance, and explore treatment options that work for you.
As substance use among older adults continues to rise, effective screening and diagnosis will become increasingly critical. The benefits of early detection and treatment of SUDs can have dramatic implications for overall physical and mental wellbeing in older adults. When examining SUD treatment admissions, patients were mostly referred by an individual (patient or other non-provider) or the criminal justice system. Healthcare providers accounted for only 12.8% of referrals for older adults to substance abuse treatment programs, perhaps suggesting that there is room for improvement in the screening and discussion of SUDs in older adults 6. Unfortunately, chronic pain can also increase older adults’ risks of developing substance misuse issues.
Risk FactorDescriptionMultiple Health ProblemsMany older adults have chronic health conditions requiring medications.PolypharmacyHigh usage of medications can lead to adverse interactions.Mental Health IssuesAnxiety and depression are often seen alongside substance use disorders. Substance abuse can impair cognitive function in older adults, leading to problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. Chronic alcohol abuse, for example, can cause cognitive deficits resembling dementia and increase the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Drug abuse can also exacerbate age-related cognitive decline and contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. You may need to refer the client to an outside provider for SUD treatment if your setting cannot offer the level of care or types of services the client's symptoms warrant. For example, a client may need inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation, but your program only offers outpatient care.
They may include educational and preventative services and support, medical detox, and outpatient or inpatient treatment. Admittedly, studies on the effects of treatment of substance abuse in older adults are few and far between, which is why it is crucial to find specific ways to engage the senior. Older adults and seniors who abuse alcohol or prescription drugs face a higher risk of developing illnesses like osteoporosis, ulcers, diabetes II, irritable colon, varicose veins, conditions of the small or large intestine, and chronic bladder inflammation.
The most commonly used medications among older adults are not inherently addictive. Opioid medications work by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors and interrupting pain signals. Older adults often experience several major life changes within a short timeframe. People in the older population experience more social difficulties than younger adults, often experiencing loneliness and isolation. According to NIDA, older adults are more likely than younger adults to experience mood disorders.
SUDs are best considered as chronic diseases that are life-long, relapsing conditions that require lifestyle changes and are often complicated by poor compliance. Adults with SUD often receive both uncoordinated addiction treatment and fragmented primary medical care to manage their chronic medical problems. To address these issues, a handful of models that integrate chronic medical care with addiction treatment have been developed. In addition, a systematic review focusing on the integration of medical care and substance use treatment note the low quality of current evidence and emphasize the lack of clarity on who may benefit from such interventions (Hunt, Siegfried, Morley, Sitharthan, & Cleary, 2013). Relevantly, most of these studies focused on substance use outcomes rather than health-related outcomes. This is where the need to integrate the principles of geriatric care and harm reduction into addiction medicine are needed.
In addition, promoting strong support systems, such as family involvement and peer support groups, can foster a healthy environment for recovery. Building these systems provides older adults with the encouragement they need to avoid high-risk situations and maintain their well-being. For further insights on developing a supportive network for recovery, read about the importance of a strong support system in recovery. Recognizing the commonly abused substances can be helpful in identifying potential issues and seeking appropriate help.
This stage involves medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be particularly severe due to physiological changes in the aging body. Seniors may experience heightened sensitivity to substances, necessitating a controlled environment to ensure their safety. The detox period lasts typically from 7 to 10 days, during which their bodies rid themselves of toxins. Additionally, there is a shortage of specialized geriatric treatment programs tailored to address the unique needs of older adults.
They also need to have the skills to recognize substance misuse in older clients. Therefore, the review of interventions discussed later is of those treatments for which there is some initial evidence of efficacy and/or effectiveness among this population. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders.