Friends and family members, and members of an elderly individual’s community, can all be important parts of a healthy support system that will enhance addiction treatment and promote long-term recovery. Data shows that over 80% of older adults aged use at least one prescription medication daily, with nearly half taking more than five medications or supplements. This increases the risk of drug-drug interactions significantly, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Informational campaigns can help ensure that older adults understand the potential for interactions and the importance of monitoring their substance use. The questions can be adapted to a specific substance, such as a prescription medication, and they can be asked either in the context of an interview or self-administered.

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• Understanding these impacts can help caregivers and families identify necessary interventions.
• Distinguishing between normal aging, polypharmacy and addition is often challenging due to symptom overlap, for example with neglecting responsibilities, problems in relationships, memory issues, changes in sleep patterns or deterioration in physical appearance.
• More research should be done to evaluate the efficacy of such therapeutic modalities specifically in older adults.

This oversight means that many cases of substance abuse remain hidden and untreated. Research shows a concerning trend in alcohol consumption among seniors, especially amongst women, with many drinking at levels deemed harmful. Furthermore, prescription drug abuse is also prevalent—approximately 11% of older adults misuse their medications. This pattern of multi-medication use raises significant concerns for adverse drug interactions and dependence. Alcohol can interact dangerously with medications taken by older adults, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and prescriptions.

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This review aims to describe the epidemiology, special considerations, substance abuse in older adults and management of substance use disorders in older adults. Older adults may resist addiction treatment and other mental health services due to internalized stigma regarding mental illness. In addition to the limited research available on older adults with addiction, this population faces several other challenges when dealing with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, anyone who would like to use marijuana should consult their doctors first, especially if they have a history of addiction or other risk factors for substance abuse.

Alcohol and Older People

These results are similar to the results shown in studies of younger adults, suggesting that racial disparities must be addressed in substance use treatment across ages. Healthcare professionals must acknowledge cultural barriers in order to increase completion of substance use treatment programs in older adults. In general, pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatments developed for SUDs in the general population have been shown to be safe and effective in older adults, with psychotherapeutic interventions being of particular use. In the treatment of AUD, naltrexone has consistently been shown to be highly effective for older adults, often superior to its effectiveness in younger populations 28.

Communication should be as clear and straightforward as possible, taking into account age-related brain changes, both normal and abnormal. It is easy to get frustrated with an older person abusing substances, sometimes more so than with one in another age group, because they’re very defensive and set in their ways. The DSM criterion related to giving up or reducing important social, recreational, or occupational activities in favor of substance use is similarly inapplicable. Seniors engage in fewer activities regardless of whether substance use is present or not, making it difficult to establish if this criterion is met.

Early detection and tailored interventions are crucial for safeguarding the health and quality of life of older adults facing substance use disorder. Moreover, addressing underlying mental health issues is crucial for effectively preventing substance misuse. Many older adults may use substances as a coping mechanism for anxiety, depression, or loneliness. For more information on addressing mental health in relation to substance use, view our article what is Oxford House on the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues. Effectively preventing substance misuse among older adults requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education and awareness, as well as healthcare interventions.

This means our helpline can provide completely independent and unbiased advice to help you find the rehab service most suitable for you or your loved one. Substantial evidence suggests that substance use among older adults has been under-identified for decades. The information provided by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC) on the nbcc.org website (site) is for general information purposes only. NBCC makes significant efforts to maintain current and accurate information on this site.