Dependence In The Elderly who-addiction-affects

Older Citizens And Dependence Abuse

The health effects of substance abuse for those over the age of 65 can be even more dangerous than in younger users, even it's not uncommon to develop an addiction later life.


It was found that substance abuse among elderly in the United States is increasing at an unprecedented rate. The Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services classifies elderly addicts into hardy survivors (continuous substance abuse starting from younger years) and late onset (those who developed the habit during senior years). There are treatment options available to help you get back on a healthy path, regardless of how old you are or when your addiction started.


Dependence within individuals of 65 and over is normally underestimated and under-diagnosed, which can actually avoid them from receiving the assistance they urgently require.


Causes Of Addiction In Senior Citizens

Many things could lead to someone turning to substance abuse later in life. These could turn out to be health-related concerns or life-changing situations that assume an emotional toll.

Drug-abusing behaviour may be provoked by these events that can result in a full-scale addiction. Whether you or a person you know is fighting with dependence problems later in life and require detecting a healing plan, contact us on 0800 246 1509.


Possible inducers of substance or alcohol dependence in the older individuals are

  • Retirement
  • Death of a close relative, partner, pet or close friend.
  • Financial Issues
  • Relocation to a nursing home
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fights in the family
  • Health deterioration (depression, memory loss, major surgeries, etc.)

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The Risk Of Senior Citizen Substance Abuse

Senior citizens are more susceptible to the deteriorating effects of drug and alcohol, therefore, these substances are particularly dangerous among the elderly.

It is found out that drugs like Benzodiazepines pose dangerous risks to elderly. Despite its addicting potency, it is commonly prescribed by doctors to older people. Benzodiazepine addiction of elderly is found to have grown each year.


Metabolizing substances is much more difficult for senior citizens, together with an enhanced brain sensitivity to drugs or alcohol. Thus it is dangerous for seniors to use drugs or alcohol at all, even if the person isn't dependent.


Difficulties In Distinguishing Dependence In Senior Citizens

Alcohol or substance misuse may actually resemble signs of other medical or mental health illnesses, like diabetes, dementia or depression.

It makes it simpler for doctors who come across an older patient to attribute deteriorating mental or physical health simply to "old age".


Signs Of Dependence In Elderly Individuals

The mental health, physical health and personal relationships of people may start to deteriorate as they get older. Even though dependence can be troublesome to identify in this demographic, it's really vital to take note to any strange symptoms your aging loved one shows.

A few symptoms of senior citizens substance misuse to search for are

  • Memory loss or gap
  • Changes in sleeping practices
  • Unexplained bruises
  • Depression, anxiety, sadness
  • Undetermined chronic pain
  • Eating pattern changes
  • Desire to be left alone
  • Undesirable personal hygiene
  • Getting out of contact with family and friends
  • Losing interest in regular activities

It is imperative to ask professional assistance from experts once substance abuse is confirmed or recognized among elderly.

It is also important to admit them to facilities that specialise in elderly addiction due to the commonly lacking family or social support at this age. These case management services will offer the ageing with reach to medical, psychiatric and social resources to grant for a very healthy wellbeing to progress after healing.


Elderly Addiction Statistics

Family, friends, care providers and doctors need to stop ignoring the disturbing rate of addictions to numerous substances among people age 65 and older since it really is a thing to worry about.