Older people have more illnesses and use more than twice as many medications as those under age 65.
The elderly constitute about 12 percent of the U.S. population, but consume 25 to 33 percent of all prescription drugs. The use of more prescription and over-the-counter drugs increases the possibility of misuse and abuse. In addition, the elderly have to cope with physical decline, the death of friends and family, and changes in memory and other mental skills.
Drug abuse and dependency is difficult to diagnose and treat in the elderly because diseases of aging, the normal aging process, and individual denial can mask or confuse symptoms. Estimates place the number of older Americans who misuse or abuse drugs as high as 2.5 million.
How Older People Become Addicted
In some cases, people who have abused drugs when they were younger, continue the same behavior into old age. Older people sometimes become confused about dosages or mix medications that can be harmful. Alcohol use often increases as people age. Older people who abuse alcohol may:
- Frequently drink to calm their nerves
- Try to hide their drinking from others
- Become violent when drinking
- Drink rather than eat nutritious meals
Life-changing events can increase alcohol and drug use. The death of a spouse or close friend, declining health, low self-worth, or limited financial resources can trigger drug or alcohol use. Alcohol or other drugs may be used to help manage pain or reduce loneliness.
Some seniors self-medicate. They may increase dosages of prescribed medications, use some else's medication, or add over-the-counter drugs to their daily regimen.
Many who are dependent or becoming dependent would deny that there is a problem.
What Are the Risks?
- Mixing drugs such as alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, painkillers, and antihistamines can lead to dependency, illness, or even death.
- Alcohol and other drugs cause damage to all parts of the body, including the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and stomach.
- Drug use increases the risk of accidents at home, such as falls; and in public, such as automobile accidents.
- Drug abuse or dependency can reduce normal lifespan.
- Dependencies can lead to increased medical costs and a loss of independence. Most elderly people want to live independently for as long as possible.
What Can You Do?
Careful management of all drugs and medications is an important part of long-term health. Too often older people aren't told about all the effects and side effects of the medications they are told to take. In other cases, medications that may have serious side effects when taken together are prescribed by different doctors.
It is vitally important to tell your doctors and pharmacists about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. If you drink alcohol at all, always ask your doctor or pharmacist if alcohol will affect the actions of the medication.
Recovery from drug dependency is possible at any age. Ask your doctor for help. Various forms of counseling and support are available.
If a new medication just doesn't "seem right," talk to your doctor. Doses can be adjusted or an alternate medication may be available that doesn't have the same side effects. Ask your doctor to explain what each medication is, what it does, how long you will need to take it, and how it will interact with the other medications you take.
The Bottom Line
Drug dependencies are very dangerous to everyone, and especially the elderly. Drug abuse by accident or design can be overcome. Ask for help and support from your family, doctor, friends, or church. |
