DRUG ABUSE HELP FOR OLDER ADULTS

A recent report estimates that if current trends continue, by 2020 we
will have 5 million adults over 50 with substance abuse problems,
compared to 2.5 million in 1999.

In 2005, 4.4 percent of those aged 50-59 used an illegal drug.
Additionally, 1 of 7 people over 50 meet the criteria for alcohol
abuse or dependency. Also important when we consider drug abuse in
older adults are prescription drugs, and opiates including pain
medications and heroin.

Complicating this picture is the issue of drug interactions. Elderly
people are more likely to have an adverse drug reaction because of
body changes and the fact that they often use multiple drugs including
alcohol, opiates and medications. Older adults are at least three
times more likely to be subject to an adverse drug reaction compared
to younger individuals.

Ross Chaban, vice president of clinical services at COMPASS, is
concerned that so little is available to treat older adults with drug
abuse problems. In his former position in Akron, there was a separate
older adult treatment program -- this is not available in Toledo.

Older people with abuse problems are largely undetected and ignored.
Many older abusers live alone and have no one who would notice drug
abuse. Older abusers drive less and are less likely to be ticketed by
law enforcement for violations. Many are retired and do not have to
worry about a supervisor becoming aware of inappropriate behavior on
the job.

Oftentimes physicians do not respond well when an older patient
presents signs and symptoms of drug abuse. They often are not
completely aware of the symptoms, are not certain what treatment
options are available and may believe that since the patient is older,
treatment would do no good. Other factors that serve as barriers to
appropriate treatment are not wanting to hurt the patient-physician
relationship and believing that using something like alcohol is one of
the few pleasures remaining for some older people.

Ross Chaban, in response to the above beliefs, said it is never too
late to get treatment, and it is not a pleasure to live out the
remaining years of one's life being addicted to substances.

If you are an older adult, or are close to one, and are trying to
determine if drug abuse or dependency is present, take note of the
following signs and symptoms: eating less, falling down, bruises,
forgetfulness, losing keys, lack of interest in usual activities,
being more isolated, feeling depressed and being irritable.

Although Chaban said treatment for older people is limited, there are
local options he recommends. First, although COMPASS does not have a
program specifically aimed at the older adult, they are very willing
to offer professional assistance. Call COMPASS.
Also, make sure to bring up the issue with the physician and let her
know you want help. Finally, consider going to AA or Al-Anon meetings.

Stephen Roberts is an associate professor in the UT Department of
Public Health and Homeland Security.