The liver processes alcohol more slowly, and brain neuronal receptor sensitivity to alcohol and blood-brain barrier permeability increase. As a result, the elderly have higher blood alcohol concentrations than younger adults, suffer more significant impairment, and are less aware of it. Alcoholism in the elderly is more likely to cause functional impairment, compromising their ability to perform everyday tasks such as shopping, cleaning, and cooking.
Understanding older adults’ smartphone addiction in the digital age: empirical evidence from China
The PCP and Joan discuss several options, including a long-term taper from the benzodiazepines, and work together to find the best option for Joan. The PCP explains the tapering process and explains how Joan can manage anxiety and sleep problems as she tapers off the medication. Initially, Joan is a bit nervous about tapering off the medication but agrees to this option after the PCP reassures her that she will work closely with her to make sure the taper is adjusted correctly for her situation. Link clients to peer recovery support specialists in your own organization or in the community. Contact local support Sober living house group offices and ask which meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and have active members who are older adults.
Problematic Substance Use Is on the Rise Among Seniors
- Changes in thinking, like difficulties with memory, attention, and learning, are a normal part of aging for most of us.
- Over a 12-year study, alcohol use disorder amongst adults over 65 increased by 107%.
- These two scales are brief and effective measures of power and influence over others, which are published in respected journals and used in many high-quality studies.
Age-appropriate screening tools and interventions are available for older adults struggling with alcohol use, illicit drug use, or nonmedical prescription medication use. Comprehensive assessments should explore other areas relevant to older adults and substance misuse, such as their trauma history and risk of current elder https://jfchiruchi.com/2021/05/06/does-alcohol-make-you-bruise-easily-2/ abuse, fall risk, cognitive decline, and ability to perform activities of daily living and other functions. However, as far as we know, little attention was paid to the negative effects of excessive internet usage of the old. Only little research paid attention to the factors that influence Internet addiction among the elderly. For example, depressive symptoms, social support from family and from a significant other had significant effects on the older adults’ addictive use of social media (Özbek and Karaş, 2022).
Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders
See our addiction in older adults open data portal, or reach out to us at open- to connect with an expert on aging in America.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Statistically speaking, women are less likely to enter a rehabilitation program than men. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) article points out that senior adults may struggle to seek help for addiction. Many of the older adults in the senior age group grew up during a time when addiction was considered much more shameful. Seniors may also find it challenging to participate in group therapy sessions while surrounded by younger adults.