Prescription drug addiction is a problem among the senior population.
Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern across all walks of life and among every age group. The consequences for seniors, however, can be far more devastating due to their health and vulnerability. As these individuals get older, they are more likely to be exposed to prescription medications and like other prescription drug users, succumb to tolerance, dependency and ultimately, addiction.
About Prescription Drug Abuse
Despite controversy, many people abuse prescription drugs due to developmental changes within their brains and not because they lack willpower or ability to control their behaviors. They may increase the dose, or take the drugs more frequently to relieve unpleasant or unwanted symptoms and these repeat changes are what lead to compulsive behaviors to use more. Dependency results in withdrawal symptoms that range in severity and often are the compelling factor causing many to continue the abuse.
Prescription Drug Abuse in Seniors
According to a published study by the National Institutes of Health, “it is estimated that the number of adults of this age in need of substance abuse treatment will increase from 1.7 million in 2000 and 2001 to 4.4 million in 2020”. Seniors who are exposed to prescription drugs may be likely to misuse or abuse them because:
They are susceptible to more episodes of pain and the emotional stress that comes with it.
They are often prescribed an assortment of drugs for various purposes.
Seniors are more vulnerable to physical and psychological effects from the drugs, due to cognitive decline or other physical impairments that affect their ability to metabolize the drugs.
Memory impairments may lead them to use more than intended.
Other drugs they are prescribed may cause reactions for which they try to overcompensate for.
Their lack of experience and judgment regarding the side effects of prescription drugs makes them vulnerable to their use and abuse and safety becomes a grave concern.
They may live on a fixed income and share their medications in order to save money.
Recognizing Prescription Drug Abuse in Seniors
Like other prescription drug abusers, seniors present various signs when abusing prescriptions drugs such as:
Intentionally using prescription drugs frequently or in greater amounts than prescribed.
Tolerance – using increasingly higher amounts to achieve a desired effect.
Using someone else’s prescription drugs or using them recreationally.
Using prescription drugs in alternative ways such as snorting or injecting.
Physical deteriorations, impairments, or adverse changes including weight loss, impaired cognitive or motor functioning, lack of hygiene, neglect of health, excessive sleeping, or insomnia.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once important or fun to them.
Increased anxiety or obsession over their next dose.
Increased mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, irritability, agitation, inability to order thoughts or focus, excessive memory loss, hyperactivity, violent outbursts and other aggressive, irrational, or uncontrollable behaviors.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, no one type of rehab that works for every person. There is also more than one type of treatment center. The type of treatment center you choose depends on your addiction and your preferences. When you are considering addiction treatment, it is important to look at all….
Most drug rehab centers combine a series of drug detox, drug counseling and therapy and various aftercare services to provide effective treatment for drug addiction. Most of these same programs seem very similar to one another and do not place focus on achieving wellness both physical and psychologically the way that some alternative drug rehab….
For those who struggle with drug addiction or alcohol addiction, relapse often becomes a fact of life. They rise up above the addiction only to be faced with the harsh reality of relapsing despite efforts to make positive change. Directors at many rehab centers report that it is not uncommon for them to admit patients….
Many people face the challenges of working a 9-5 job that is both stressing and overwhelming. Unfortunately, many business executives find that the high level of responsibility and the extreme stress that comes with working in an executive position result in an increased risk of drug abuse which ultimately must be treated. Luckily, Seasons Recovery….
Like most things recovery and relapse is cyclic. Unfortunately, many addicts get trapped in this cycle. Although each person is different, they all face the same problems, fears, and dangers. This is why group therapy works for some people. To an addict knowing that they are not alone is an incredible boost when they feel….
Many challenges are faced in addiction treatment by both families, loved ones, user’s and treatment professionals. While healing from addiction is up to the addict, many take comfort in knowing that healing is possible with the right means of commitment, support and treatment. If you’re in treatment, know someone in treatment or thinking about treatment,….
Teenagers and Drug Addiction Teenage drug abuse and addiction is very high in the United States, and addiction is a lifelong brain disease that a person will struggle with. Many teens do not understand the negative consequences that follow drug use, and they think that they will not become addicted, but drugs such as opiates,….
The decisions you make in life will always have an impact on what happens next and when you decide to change your life for the better, you want to make the most out of those changes. Whether you have chosen the drug rehab for where you plan to go or not, there are some things….
Cocaine is one of the most addicting street drugs available and has ruined the lives of millions of people. Cocaine addiction ruins lives, it ruins families and it ruins society yet finding cocaine rehab centers is not always easy. Many drug rehab centers do not specialize in treating cocaine addiction and those which do will….
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease which the NIDA describes “as a complex disorder that can involve virtually every aspect of an individual’s functioning—in the family, at work and school, and in the community.” Once a person becomes addicted to a substance such as alcohol or drugs, their lives become vicious cycles of….
Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Recovery Helpline or Alli Addiction Services.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.