Statistically, substance abuse treatment has focused largely on adolescents and adults up until their mid-forties. Treatment modalities and strategies have been developed and used specifically for a younger population. However, there is a growing population of adults ages 65 and above who are battling addiction, particularly with alcohol and prescription drugs. This population is making the addiction treatment community rethink how they treat substance abuse.
Re-thinking Care for Age-specific Populations
The number of adults suffering from addiction who are over the age of 65 is significantly smaller than the number of people younger than 65. Yet there has been an increase in the percentage of older adults seeking treatment for substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the proportion of those over the age of 65 seeking treatment more than doubled, from 3.4% in 2000 to 7.0% in 2012.
Due to health and social factors that are different within the various age groups, treatment may also need to look different. From training staff in age-specific concerns to increasing flexibility of care and modalities, it is important to be aware of the needs of all ages within treatment for addiction.
Age-specific Differences in Substance Abuse Populations
Physical and mental needs change within various age groups. For example, while group therapy is an important part of treatment, older adults may benefit more than their younger peers from individual therapy. People over the age of 65 are at greater risk of drug interactions due to higher percentages of the population taking multiple medications and supplements.
Additional differences include chronic health issues and the need for access to medical services for those over the age of 65. While alcohol and prescription drug abuse are the most common substances abused within this population, there is a growing number of cases of marijuana dependency and addiction due to doctor-recommended medical marijuana use.
Every population is unique, and this is an age group that has been under-researched and largely overlooked by both the medical and addiction treatment communities. More research is needed to confirm how to lessen prescription drug and alcohol abuse in those over 65 and still meet their medical needs efficiently.
The Impact of Isolation on Substance Abuse
Addiction breeds isolation and isolation breeds addiction. There are many adults over the age of 65 who drink because they are alone or lonely. Others may abuse prescription medications intentionally or unintentionally because they live alone and are reaching the point of needing some level of supervision of their daily medical care. Being alone or lonely creates not only substance abuse but a difficult aspect of treatment and recovery as well. Creating opportunities for wellness, independence, and increased social opportunities to prevent relapse can be a difficult conundrum.
Why Addiction Can Go Undiagnosed in Older Populations
One of the less conspicuous stigmas surrounding substance abuse is that it is a condition that is limited only to specific populations. These beliefs are sometimes held even within the medical community. One study surveyed 400 primary care doctors with a hypothetical list of symptoms in an older patient. Only 1% of the doctors correctly identified and considered those symptoms as potentially being related to substance abuse.
Stigma is not the only hypothesis for substance abuse being undiagnosed in older patients, however. The symptoms and indications of addiction that manifest in patients over the age of 60 are very similar to the symptoms of many other common health issues within this population. Some of those include:
- Disorientation
- Memory loss
- Depression or anxiety
- Irritability or mood swings
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blackouts
- Falls or bruises
- Decreased hygiene
- Incontinence
- Poor diet
- Chronic pain
- Medication mismanagement
- Changes in social behavior
Treatment Differences in Age-specific Populations
Facilities that offer options and provide flexibility in treatment are best suited to treat patients of a wide range of ages. Substance abuse and the corresponding symptoms can differ by age group. More research is needed into the best treatment models for those over the age of 65, but some of their specific needs include:
- Longer continuation of care
- Treatment of co-occurring mental health diagnoses
- Diagnosis and management of co-existing chronic health conditions
- Age-specific case management
- Access to medical care
- Assistance with re-establishing a support network
- Access to individual therapy
- Age-specific recovery groups
Medical research may be behind a growing population of adults over 65 who struggle with addiction. Until more evidence-based information is available, additional compassion and common sense are needed to create safe places for people of all ages to receive treatment for addiction. Being open to learning about treating people of all ages, genders, races, nationalities, or other classifications is what brings this community together to heal.
There are many factors to consider when treating different age groups. Some populations have been overlooked or underdiagnosed. Specifically, there is a need for more education and research on appropriate treatment for adults over the age of 65. Meeting the specific health (and other) needs of all people is a fundamental part of treatment for substance abuse. Rancho Milagro Recovery is a residential treatment facility located in Temecula, California. We offer treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health diagnoses in a beautiful, natural ranch setting. Our goal is to offer a personalized experience for you to create a recovery that works for you. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to talk to one of our compassionate staff members about beginning your treatment for substance abuse. Our family-owned facility offers the flexibility and personal care that you deserve in a remote yet accessible location. Our commitment to your wellness is our passion. Your healing is our purpose.