Why Is Substance Abuse Among Older Adults Being Unrecognized?
Why Is Substance Abuse Among Older Adults Being Unrecognized?
As we get older, various medications and prescription drugs become important to our health. Whether you are enrolled in Medicare Part D or pay for these prescription drugs out of pocket, there is no doubt they play an important role in keeping us healthy. They treat a wide variety of illnesses, ailments and conditions many of us will deal with as we age. Unfortunately, some individuals will abuse these prescription drugs and they can become a problem.
Substance abuse is something that can ruin a person’s life and relationships. It can make it difficult to function and can also drain a bank account incredibly quickly. It is a major problem that has an impact on millions of Americans. When most of us think of substance abuse, we think of teens or young adults.
But the truth is, anyone can (and does) struggle with substance abuse. In fact, around 17% of Americans over the age of 60 struggle with addiction or substance abuse of some kind. While this is a big problem, it doesn’t often get much attention. Why is that? Well, this article is going to take a closer look at substance abuse in older adults, and why it is often going unrecognized.
The Growing Problem of Elderly Substance Abuse
The problem of substance abuse among older individuals has been growing more common. Many find themselves dependent on various prescription drugs for a legitimate reason but often continue their use once they are no longer necessary.
While those can be abused, like anything, it is generally alcohol abuse that is the largest problem for older adults. This issue is only expected to get worse as the baby boomer generation continues to get older. This generation grew up in a time where attitudes began to change when it comes to drug and alcohol use. As a result, many have used various substances throughout their life, and this can lead them to continue to use as they age.
Consequences of This Abuse
While substance abuse is always a problem, this is especially true for older adults. As we age, alcohol takes longer to break down in our bodies, which can make us more sensitive to its effects. This can greatly lower tolerance, which can lead to people accidentally consuming far too much. The same is often true for drugs, as doses that might have been acceptable when they were younger are no longer okay.
If alcohol is consumed with some types of drugs, it can also be even worse for the body and brain of an elderly individual. All in all, substance abuse can have dire consequences for everyone, but especially those who are growing older and seeing their minds and bodies slowly begin to deteriorate.
Why is This Problem Ignored and Unrecognized
Despite how prevalent and potentially serious and damaging this issue is, it is largely ignored or unrecognized in the popular. There are a couple of reasons why this is believed to be the case. First of all, there is the issue of actually identifying the problem. Let’s say you notice an older person struggling to stand up, or being slow to remember things or being a little lethargic.
There is a good chance that you will just chalk this up to them being old when it could be a sign that they are struggling with substance abuse. Also, with many older adults not wanting to be associated with their image of an alcoholic or drug addict, they may hide their abuse. They may only drink or consume drugs when they are alone, away from their friends and family.
Secondly, many healthcare providers simply don’t screen or look for signs of substance abuse in older adults. Some do not feel it is necessary or important for these older individuals to receive treatment for their issues, as well. Also, the many medications that older adults take for good reasons can often mask the signs of addiction.
In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you learn more about substance abuse in older adults, and why it often goes unrecognized.
****Written for Meridian Counseling by Ashley Lipman. Ashley is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion for providing knowledge to readers worldwide on topics closest to her heart - all things digital. Since her first high school award in Creative Writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches touching the digital sphere.