Growing Problem of Addiction in Older Adults: Help is at hand

According to the recent data from Office of National Statistics (ONS) for England, the ‘Baby Boomers’ (people aged 45 and over) are drinking frequently and at more hazardous level. The proportion of older adults in the population is projected to double by 2031 and so are the numbers of people in this age group with alcohol and drug misuse and addiction. This has become one of the top ten risk factors for increasing health problems as well as premature death amongst those over 60. Alcohol related hospital admissions have increased by 64% in a decade, the highest ever level. A few older adults use illicit substance, mostly marijuana, this is projected to increase as the over 45s get older.?

The multiple factors including loneliness, boredom, social isolation, loss of family and friends through death, loss of roles after retirement and children leaving home can all contribute to excess drinking, smoking or even use of illicit drugs.?

?This group will frequently have complex patterns of substance misuse, namely: alcohol use with prescription medication, tobacco, over-the-counter drugs or illegal drugs.?

Substance misuse is harmful at any age but for over 65s there are some additional physical and psychological hazards. With aging our body loses muscles, gains more fat and as a result, our metabolic rate slows down. This in turn leads to increasing sensitivity to drugs and alcohol and reduced tolerance.?

Alcohol consumption in the presence of other medical conditions or medication may cause or complicate medical conditions, compound medication interactions. An increase in the incidence of falls which are a common occurrence in older adults can lead to further illness and disability or even confusion and delirium.?

Misuse of alcohol and drugs increases the risk of physical health problems such as, hypothermia, stroke, heart disease, cancer and poor liver functioning.?

Equally, we cannot ignore the myriad and complex psychological problems that may occur directly or not from harmful use of alcohol and drugs, including neglect of self-care, anxiety, depression and insomnia that have a profound effect on health, wellbeing and quality of life. It reduces the level of self reliance and will lead to institutionalisation sooner,

Long-term use of drugs can itself exacerbate memory problems even escalating to dementia.?

There are a few complexities in detection of this issue in the older people,? many live alone, hence it may go unnoticed until the self-neglect or excessive use of the substance causes severe harm. There is also the culture of not discussing emotional difficulties, especially by men in this generation that poses challenges in these problems being discovered and treated. Being perceived as “wise elders” and not “junkies” is a major hindrance in seeking help.?

However, like any other this problem has its solutions and help is at hand if you have the awareness and know where, when and how to find it. It is possible to overcome this problem, the improvement in health and quality of life is an obvious outcome. Help may come from various quarters including family, friends and professionals from multiple expertise areas may be required as the needs are complex and or multiple.

A comprehensive physical and mental health examination is required to assess the present state of health, with attention to any complications or risks that require immediate attention at the earliest. Additional history from those close to the person and physical tests would assist identification.

Speaking to a friend to help get in touch with professionals or contacting your GP, if you or someone close may suffer from these issues, maybe the best first course of action. They may want to refer you to the drug and alcohol services for specialist care.?

?You may want to contact Support organisations such as Addaction, AgeUK and Alcoholics Anonymous all aim to improve later life through information, advise, campaigns, products, training and research.

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