When discussing addiction, there are certain generic topics that we always cover.
- Teen addiction.
- Opioid addiction.
- Alcohol addiction.
But, there are so many other topics that we need to shed light on that we rarely do. We need a firm education about these subjects, and we do not always get them.
Surely, you have the same thoughts as well!
One such topic that needs more discussion is addiction issues among senior citizens.
We always hear parents talking about their teens battling addiction, but very rarely do we speak about the children dealing with parental addiction.
Especially senior citizens (above 60), and the substance of addiction is prescribed, which is something they essentially need for all the diseases and ailments that come with a certain age.
What they need is 24-hour help because addiction among senior citizens is statistically more dangerous than that of teens.
- They have less life expectancy and a higher mortality rate than teens.
- Their body is frail and might not be able to cope with the side effects of these drugs.
- They are less likely to listen to family members, essentially falling into a younger age group.
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Why Do Senior Citizens Get Addicted To Prescription Drugs
Yes, it might sound strange to hear a senior citizen getting addicted to prescription drugs. Mostly because they are supposed to have more wisdom and experience from all the years.
They are not teens looking to get high because of all the hormonal and environmental stress!
Isn't retirement supposed to be bliss?
However, there could be many reasons for them to get addicted to such drugs. Here are a few.
Death Of A Spouse
This might sound shocking, but this is one of the well-known reasons for addiction among the elderly. This sudden depression comes after losing the only companion they had for hours.
They can have other family members, but nothing will fill up the void of their wife/husband, and thus they take up an addiction to deal with it.
Retirement
Many don't know this, but yes, retirement can cause anxiety. Just imagine yourself losing your source of income. It was their security, and some elderly don’t even wish to retire; rather, age forces them.
Lack Of Company
Unless they are staying in an old age house facility, more often than not, they are alone, especially if they have lost their spouse.
Also, the terrifying thought of mortality, mixed with the lonesomeness, can cause a feeling of hopelessness. Thus, when they consume these drugs, they do not care anymore.
Abandonment From Children
Many elderly are abandoned by their children. Some do it purposefully, but others might not have a choice.
This can not only lead to prescription drug abuse but also to alcoholism and smoking. Suppose you cannot meet your elderly parents on a regular basis. At least, get a good caregiver who can keep them company.
How To Help The Elderly Who Are Suffering From A Drug Addiction
Now, many might ask this question.
Why prescription drugs?
The answer is pretty self-explanatory. First, they are accessible and are refilled every month.
Now, the question is how you can help someone who is suffering from these addictions.
Symptoms Of Elerdry Drug Consumption
Before you think about starting treatment, here are some of the common tell-tale signs of prescription drug addiction that you should look out for.
1. Hiding Prescriptions
If they hide the prescription and do not let anyone else refill them, the suspicion can begin.
If, despite their chronic illness, they are the only ones insisting upon filling the prescription pills, they might be abusing them and refilling more often than needed.
2. Refusing To Go To The Doctors
Chronic illnesses are not very uncommon among elderly people, but if you see them refusing to go to the doctors, they are trying to hide something.
Plus, it is time to talk to them about the problem if you see them getting borderline hostile after too much insisting.
3. Medications Exhausting Soon
If you suspect an elderly person is abusing drugs, then you have to keep an eye on them. Start by counting the number of pills they have and how many they require according to prescription.
Keep a record of the pills and the number of times they consume them. If you see that the consumption is high, that is clear.
4. Cognitive Impairment
Although cognitive impairment is also very common among the elderly. If you see them forgetting details or saying illogical verses with a slurred tone, and you already have a suspicion,
This is kind of proving your suspicion right!
How To Help Them
Yes, you would want to help them, but they might not be willing to take that help from you.
It is because they are parents!
- So, you can start with an intervention with a therapist present. If possible, talk to your children, and get their grandkids (only if they are legal age) in the intervention as well. You have shown them that there is more to live for.
- Get them into therapy, but not CBT. The best therapies which can help the elderly suffering from addiction are family or group therapy because you will get a better idea about their mental health.
- If the condition gets severe, book for outpatient rehabilitation, and always keep a caregiver with the elderly person at all times.
Help Them See The Light!
Try to meet them more often than not, and make them feel included. Isolating them is the worst thing you can do. You can also enroll them in a good old age home as well, where they can find companions of their own age.
The stress from retirement and people abandoning them make them fall prey to addiction.
They are not all-mighty and wise, they are stressed too, and they need our help as well.
