Elderly drug addiction is often a hidden problem. Compounding the problem of under-diagnosed elderly drug addiction and substance abuse problems is that many family members and even medical professionals miss the warning signs of disorientation, memory-loss and shaky hands, confusing them as normal signs of aging. Some elderly drug addiction goes unnoticed because in their advanced stage of life, these individuals are less often subject to common detection mechanisms such as: driving under the influence, having poor performance in school or work, or increased absenteeism in work or social settings.
Early use of drugs in life increases a person's chances of more serious drug abuse and drug addiction in later stages of life. Sometimes we forget that older adults were once young adults - some of which used and abused drugs and alcohol in order to dull physical and emotional pain. The risk of drug abuse that leads to drug addiction increases greatly during times of great stress and/or transition and this is often a factor when it comes to elderly drug addiction. Factors leading to elderly drug addiction may include but are not limited to:
Prescription drug addiction happens for a number of reasons since addiction has nothing to do with intelligence and because addiction to prescription drugs is no different than any other substance abuse problem. As many as 17% of adults aged 60 and older abuse prescription drugs according to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. While elderly people comprise just 13% of the population, this age group represents as much as 30% of the number of prescription drug abusers.
Prescription drug addiction often occurs when drugs are prescribed for chronic pain or generalized anxiety. When these conditions don’t seem to improve, the elderly person or any aged prescription drug user feels that the drug has lost its effectiveness at the safely prescribed dosage and then begins to take more and more of the prescription drug. A tolerance to the medication is building and they find themselves accidentally addicted. The elderly are particularly at risk; misuse of prescription medications may be the most common form of drug abuse among the elderly.
Prescription drug addiction affects a person physically, emotionally and spiritually but help is available! Lakeview Health Systems offers holistic prescription drug addiction treatment for the elderly and others. Prior to drug addiction treatment, a full clinical assessment and evaluation will be made to determine if there is a need for medical detox prior to drug addiction treatment. Safe and effective medical alternatives and medication management services are also provided as part of the addiction treatment program.
Call now for prescription drug addiction treatment at 1-800-884-1727. All calls are toll-free and confidential.
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