Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among virtually all demographics, including older adults. Older adults often experience several major life changes within a short timeframe. Older adults may also forget about certain drug interactions, which may cause them to mix substances that should not be combined. Older adults may struggle to form new memories, and they may lose some long-term memories as well.

Faith-Based Addiction Treatment

However, access to these virtual programs can be limited by advanced age as older adults might have limited computer literacy, limited access to internet and technology, or hearing loss. Older adults also might prefer in-person visits, as suggested in a qualitative study of older adults in treatment for AUD during COVID-19, where they considered face-to-face provision to be essential 80. As the popularity of telehealth continues to increase, it will be of utmost importance to address the structural barriers for accessing telehealth treatment for older adults and to adapt such services to increase engagement in older Substance abuse people, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Because comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, are common and recognized among younger adults, it is assumed that these comorbidities also continue into late life.

Signs of Drug or Alcohol Abuse in the Elderly Population

You may have recently found yourself asking if you, or someone you know, is drinking too https://ecosoberhouse.com/ much. If you’ve asked yourself these questions or something similar, you’re not alone. It can be challenging to know where use “crossing the line” especially as our bodies ability to process substances changes as we age.

• Rather, many can benefit from screening and brief interventions regarding their drinking (Kuerbis et al. 2015; Pilowsky and Wu 2012).
• However, the underlying cause for the physical complaint or injury may be due to an undetected mental health and/or substance use issue that may result in costly medical care and longer hospital stays.

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Older adults have higher rates of chronic pain, and opioid prescription fill rates were disproportionately higher among substance abuse in older adults adults aged 65 years or older from 2008–2018 55. Han et al. found that, among adults 65 years and older, an estimated 1.2% reported past-year prescription opioid misuse in 2015–2016 56. The overall number of older adults reporting binge and heavy drinking was likely grossly underestimated when considering that the binge threshold for older adults is typically considered to be 3 drinks per day for men and 2 drinks per day for women.

Drug abuse can also exacerbate age-related cognitive decline and contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Alcohol screening and brief interventions offer opportunities for early detection, focused motivational enhancement, and targeted encouragement to seek needed substance abuse treatment, where appropriate. The majority of older adults who misuse alcohol do not need formal specialized substance abuse treatment. Rather, many can benefit from screening and brief interventions regarding their drinking (Kuerbis et al. 2015; Pilowsky and Wu 2012).