Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Seniors

Substance abuse among older adults and senior citizens is more common than many people know. When we think of someone with an addiction, we often picture a young person abusing illicit drugs or alcohol. But seniors share the same likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse as young people.

The most common substances of abuse are prescription painkillers (namely opioids), alcohol, and marijuana. This age group tends not to have issues with stimulants, hallucinogens, or illicit drugs (however, it is still possible).

Because many seniors have issues with long-term medical conditions and pain management, many choose to use marijuana or prescription opioids to lessen the pain and discomfort associated with these conditions. This is especially common among veterans and those who have traumatic injuries or illnesses.

If your aging loved one has a substance use disorder, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms and get them enrolled in an inpatient drug rehab center in the U.S. Here are some of the most common symptoms of substance abuse in seniors.

Misusing Prescriptions

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly one million adults aged 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. Of this age group:

• over 80% use at least one prescription medication daily

• half use more than five medications or supplements (including prescription medicines, nonprescription drugs, and dietary supplements)

• at least one in 25 seniors is at risk for a major drug-drug interaction

If your loved one is misusing prescription drugs or mixing those medications with other substances, they may have an addiction. Signs of misusing prescriptions include:

• “doctor shopping,” where a person visits several doctors to get multiple prescriptions

• crushing pills or otherwise using them not as intended

• using higher doses than they’re prescribed

• lying about pain to get more prescriptions

• misplacing prescriptions constantly

Opioids are not the only prescription drug of abuse. Senior citizens might also abuse benzodiazepine drugs, typically prescribed for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Self-Isolation

Your loved one might have a problem with drugs or alcohol if they’re pulling away from family and friends. They might choose to skip out on certain activities or events, preferring to stay alone. This is typically because they feel guilt over substance abuse, or want to hide their substance use.

They may also self-isolate because they’re dealing with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. These two conditions can often exacerbate one another, one of the most common combinations being addiction and depression. As the substance use worsens, you might see your loved one become more and more withdrawn. —If you live in Pennsylvania and are considering learning How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania, you must start by consulting a certified doctor who can evaluate you and determine if a medical marijuana card is a suitable option.—

Changes In Behavior

You should note any major changes in behavior. This might include:

• secrecy or lying

• slacking on house chores or basic upkeep

• a decline in personal hygiene

• intense mood swings

• changes in interests or activities

• loss of interest in hobbies and passions

Sometimes, our aging loved ones may stop doing certain activities or passions due to a lack of mobility, transportation, health, or another issue. This is not always a sign of substance use. However, you may see a problem if your loved one suddenly stops doing the things they typically do and enjoy.

Unexplained Injuries

Substance abuse can impact memory, coordination, judgment, and other vital bodily functions. During substance use, your loved one may fall or experience some form of injury. They may not be able to explain a bruise or broken bone, either because they do not remember the incident, or because they’re hiding substance use.

Issues with memory may be confused with signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to consider the body of evidence when determining substance use, rather than an isolated concern. If a senior is having memory issues along with unexplained injuries, changes in mood or appetite, and isolation, they may have a problem with addiction.

How to Help a Senior with a Substance Abuse Issue

You may feel at a loss if your loved one has an addiction, but you’re not alone in this. So many seniors deny getting help for their substance use issues because they fear judgment or ridicule from others.

Start by having an open and honest conversation about your concerns and reassure your loved one that you love and support them no matter what issue they face. Help them to find assistance with therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous groups, or an inpatient rehab program for further support.

There are many addiction treatment programs geared specifically toward seniors with addictions. These programs will consider the unique needs of seniors, including medical services and nursing care as needed in a residential facility. There, your loved one can find a community of support from other seniors experiencing similar problems.