Addiction in Older Adults
- Older adults believe addiction is a moral issue and can be defeated with will power. This belief makes it difficult for older individuals and their families to admit they need help.
- Older individuals may deny or refuse to recognize their alcohol problem or addiction.
- Family members may try to protect rather than confront the older alcoholic or addict.
- Many older adults are ashamed about their drinking or medication/drug use and do not want to talk about it.
- Some professionals mistakenly think the older alcoholic cannot be treated as successfully as a young person.
- An older adult’s chances of recovering from alcoholism are as good or better than with a younger alcoholic's chances. Despite the resistance that some older problem drinkers or drug abusers exhibit, treatment is worth pursuing.
- Studies show that older adults are more compliant with treatment and have treatment outcomes as good or better than those of younger patients (Oslin et al., 1997; Atkinson, 1995).
- Alcohol and medication have a greater effect on older individuals.
- Physical changes caused by aging decrease the body's ability to break down alcohol and medication.
- The effects of alcohol or medication can be more severe for older adults due to sensory losses which are part of the normal aging process.
- Alcoholism can cause other chronic illnesses among elderly to worsen.
- Some medical issues experienced by older adults:
- Neuropathy
- Heart condition
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Issues that may worsen or contribute to an older person's alcohol or drug use:
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- Isolation and anxiety
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A counselor is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we are committed to prompt attention.
Please call us at 1-800-432-5005.
