Elderly adults face a lot of stress in their lives, even with the best of care from family caregivers and home care providers. However, things such as financial stress, declining health, loss of loved ones, chronic pain, boredom, and untreated mental health issues can all motivate the aging adult to abuse substances that can dull these feelings. They can take care of pain and otherwise alter the mind to create a space where seniors don’t have to deal with the hard realities of living. Many elderly adults turn to drugs and alcohol as ways to cope.
Types of Substance Abuse in the Elderly
In the past decade, studies show a dramatic increase in the use of drugs in situations of substance abuse in elderly adults. The most common is the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, particularly opiates. These powerful drugs are generally derived from the opium plant and can be used as painkillers, sedatives or analgesics. They are quite addictive and can usually be obtained easily by seniors with lots of medical issues. Other drugs that can be abused include anxiety medications, sleeping pills, diet aids and antipsychotic drugs.
Another thing that contributes to elderly adults and substance abuse is the overuse of alcohol. Because the health recommendations for alcohol is no more than one drink daily, anytime seniors go over this amount, it becomes too much, and it is unhealthy for them physically and mentally. Seniors can also develop a dependency on other illegal drugs as long as they can find ways to get it. Mixing drugs and alcohol is a potentially deadly combination that is also on the rise.
How Family Caregivers Can Help
Of course, family caregivers want to do everything they can to help their elderly relative avoid the dangers of substance abuse. When their elderly loved one goes through some kind of trauma, from poor health to loss, it’s often the motivation for seniors to abuse drugs or alcohol. Family caregivers and home care providers should be watchful for signs and symptoms. This can include alcohol on the breath, poor hygiene, multiple prescriptions, memory issues, confusion, depression, mood swings, and general loss of interest.
Family caregivers that believe their aging loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol should make a doctor’s appointment right away. They can help with initial diagnosis and work with them on more effective physical treatments. The doctor will also recommend a mental health expert to help the senior with the underlying causes of the substance abuse.
Therapy can help elderly adults work through their issues. Finally, family caregivers and home care providers can have a lot of influence into what kinds of substances make it into the home. Many seniors are not mobile and can’t get their own prescriptions or alcohol. Family caregivers can have a lot of control about what substances make it into their elderly loved one’s hands.
Substance abuse is a dangerous and harmful practice that will only jeopardize the health and wellness of an elderly relative. Family caregivers, friends, home care providers, doctors, and therapists can work together to support the aging adult in their journey toward a substance-free life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Centennial, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
