Senior Citizens and Rx Med Abuse
Senior Citizens and Rx Med Abuse
While you may not think of the elderly as a high-risk group for drug abuse, the fact is that abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise for adults older than age 65. Part of the reason? This group takes more prescription medications than any other age group in the United States. And according to the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, one in eight Americans who seek treatment for drug abuse is older than age 50. Regardless of the reasons, seniors and Rx med abuse are on the rise in the United States today.
Medications at Risk for Abuse by the Elderly
The second category, benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, or insomnia. Examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). People who take drugs in either category long term are in danger of becoming addicted.
Is Your Loved One at Risk?
For seniors, prescription drug abuse can either be unintentional or intentional. Unintentional abuse is when drugs are taken incorrectly by mistake. This usually occurs when an older adult has trouble remembering if they’ve taken their medication or has difficulty reading the label.
Intentional abuse, however, occurs when a person knowingly takes drugs incorrectly to escape from their problems or to feel a sense of euphoria. This is common among seniors who have recently lost a loved one, are in failing health, or have recently had a significant life change like retirement or selling a family home. If your loved one is showing signs of depression, anxiety, loneliness, or boredom, he or she is also at risk.
Signs of Seniors and Rx Med Abuse
As a caregiver, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of prescription drug abuse from typical signs of aging. Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, memory loss, mood swings, withdrawal from hobbies or social activities, frequent accidents or falls, chronic health problems, and slurred speech. These are all common symptoms of seniors and Rx med abuse.
Also, be aware of whether your loved one fills a prescription from more than one doctor or at more than one pharmacy; takes the medication more often than directed; sneaks or hides medication; becomes uncomfortable or refuses to talk about the medication; or has behavior changes, such as becoming irritable or withdrawn.
Steps to Take to Help Prevent Addiction in Seniors
Because many seniors are not in optimal health, prescription drug abuse is especially dangerous for this age group. If you suspect an older family member has a problem with his or her prescription drugs, talk with their doctor.
For most people, inpatient treatment is the best way to overcome addiction and maintain health and well-being, both physically and mentally. Intensive therapy and treatment are often necessary to break an addiction for the long term. At A Forever Recovery, our comprehensive program is designed to address each aspect of an addiction, including co-occurring disorders. Contact us today to learn more about seniors and Rx med abuse and treatment options.
