Substance Abuse in Older Adults: How Common Is It?

But a major hurdle across the care spectrum is that substance use disorder in older adults remains a hidden problem because of lack of screening in primary care and few guidelines for assessing older adults who might be using. Lehmann points out that it’s common for Drug rehabilitation primary care providers, specialists and emergency physicians to prescribe opioids and benzodiazepines on a long-term basis. That practice, she says, can lead to dependence as well as negative cognitive effects. On the other hand, having strong social connections can improve mental health and reduce the risk of substance use disorders. Studies have found that increased social interaction among seniors has been linked with positive outcomes such as improved cognitive functioning and lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Why, When, and How To Screen

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; Exhibit 3.6) is an updated version of the widely used and researched PTSD Checklist (PCL), which was based on DSM-IV substance abuse in older adults criteria. Not much research has yet been conducted on the use of the PCL-5 with older adults. The PCL-5 has been used to screen for PTSD in some studies of older veterans,413,414,415 but these studies were not designed to look at the validity of the PCL-5 in aging populations.

Recovery from Substance Use and Mental Health Problems Among Adults in the United States

A well-thought-out approach to comprehensive screening and assessment will help you identify older adults with or at risk for substance misuse and related conditions. This is an important step in making sure clients get the right diagnosis and timely treatment (or treatment referral). The many screening tools approved for use with older adults can help you detect substance misuse. In addition, numerous measures can help you identify conditions common in older people with substance misuse.

Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: A Growing Threat

• Alcohol use disorder affects nearly 6% of adults aged 65 and older.
• It’s important to know the signs of substance abuse in older adults for early intervention.
• A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf.
• Effective treatment begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s physical and mental health.

Let them know they should always turn to their loved ones and a doctor if they feel like they’ve become dependent on a particular medicine or other substance. Treatment options for elderly alcohol abuse or drug addiction vary depending on the level of medical care needed. They may include educational and preventative services and support, medical detox, and outpatient or inpatient treatment. Admittedly, studies on the effects of treatment of substance abuse in older adults are few and far between, which is why it is crucial to find specific ways to engage the senior. These are not to be underestimated, as they can progress swiftly at this age.

Families also play a crucial role in supporting the recovery of their seniors and preventing relapse. Family members should communicate with the elderly in a respectful, empathic way. Interruption in social and occupation roles or other repercussions of elderly drug abuse may be less noticeable or likely to occur at this stage of life. With age, one departs from these roles naturally in the vast majority of cases, such as through social isolation due to age-group peer mortality or retirement. Physicians rely on the criteria outlined by the DSM to diagnose substance abuse disorder in the general population. That is perhaps the main reason for misdiagnosis and lack of treatment of seniors – these criteria are less relevant to them.

• According to the CDC, alcohol was an underlying cause of death for 11,616 adults aged 65 and over in 2020.
• Boosting these efforts helps older adults facing addiction get the help they need.
• (See Chapter 4 for examples of how DSM-5 criteria for AUD might not be age appropriate.) For instance, tolerance is a DSM-5 criterion for an SUD diagnosis.
• Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers.
• But a major hurdle across the care spectrum is that substance use disorder in older adults remains a hidden problem because of lack of screening in primary care and few guidelines for assessing older adults who might be using.

This can be done with outreach projects, classes, and media messages designed for them. Boosting these efforts helps older adults facing addiction get the help they need. These signs might seem like aging or some other health issue. If you’re worried about an older loved one’s use of alcohol or drugs, talk to them about it. If that doesn’t work, consider asking their doctor, minister, or a longtime friend to approach them instead.

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Make sure your primary doctor has a list of all the medications you take, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ even over-the-counter ones.

Substance Abuse in Older Adults

Refer high-risk clients to a program where specialized SUD treatment services are available, if possible. When doing an SUD screen, if the depression screener is negative but the client has some symptoms of depression, you will want to give another depression screen in 1 month. Symptoms to look for include low mood, difficulty making decisions, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and feelings of hopelessness. You should continue to monitor the client’s symptoms over time.