The holiday season is a time for family and togetherness, but for many Americans, it can be a time of intense loneliness.
Older Americans are susceptible to sadness or loneliness, maybe more so than younger people, especially if they're missing friends or loved ones who have passed away.
This loneliness, coupled with pre-existing problems with controlled substances could be the reason why many older adults abuse drugs or alcohol in their golden years.
Stephen M. Scheinthal, DO, a psychiatrist from Stratford, N.J., recently discussed the growing problem of
substance abuse in the senior population during a presentation at the American
Osteopathic Association's (AOA) 115th Osteopathic Medical Conference &
Exposition, known as OMED 2010 Unified, in San Francisco.
"Substance abuse doesn't know any boundary of age," Dr. Scheinthal says. "Typically, seniors do not drink to get drunk or take drugs to get high. More likely they are lonely or they partake in these substances out of habit."
Since seniors often take prescription medication for chronic
illnesses, it is important they disclose any drug or alcohol consumption to
their physicians in order to avoid any interactions or complications in
treatment.
Undisclosed drug or alcohol use could result in complications, especially if
patients experience withdrawal symptoms if they become hospitalized.
"If a physician does not know his patient has a cocaine habit, he might prescribe medication to treat a patient for being restless or jittery because that is what the symptoms seem to indicate without realizing the patient actually is going through withdrawal symptoms," Dr. Scheinthal said
Dr. Scheinthal recommends family members watch for the following signs to see
if an older relative might have a substance abuse problem:
- Changes in sleep patterns and/or appetite that cannot be attributed to other reasons.
- Increased falling.
- Frequently changing physicians or "doctor shopping" to get multiple prescriptions and having those prescriptions filled at multiple pharmacies.
- Suddenly becoming irritable or agitated.
- Periods of confusion.
- Empty liquor bottles in the garbage or recycling bucket, which can be an indicator of someone drinking.
