Seniors & Addiction

Beyond prescription medication misuse, seniors are at risk for a variety of addictions. Data from the 2022 NSDUH can help to make the scope of the problem clear:[9]

Drug addiction impacts senior’s health and well-being. Seniors are more likely to develop health issues, mood disorders, and memory problems, which can all be exacerbated by substance abuse. Regular substance use among seniors has been linked to chronic respiratory problems, reduced memory, depression, irregular heart function, reduced judgment, and reduced motor skills.[1]

Identifying Substance Abuse & Addiction in Seniors

It can be challenging to recognize signs of substance abuse and addiction in seniors, as they can be mistaken for natural effects of aging. Due to a general lack of awareness of substance abuse in older adults by society, caregivers, and family members, addiction in seniors can go largely unnoticed and untreated. 

Older adults also tend not to seek addiction treatment in traditional settings. They may feel fine about using substances to cope with the process of aging and loss.[2] 

Signs of substance abuse in seniors include the following:[4]

• Changes in mood, such as sadness or depression
• Anxiousness or irritability
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Reduced interested in activities 
• Financial or legal problems
• Falls or bruises 
• Difficulty controlling bodily functions
• Poor hygiene
• Poor nutrition 
• Isolation from family and friends

Family members and healthcare providers must educate themselves about the signs of substance abuse in older adults. Older adults and their family members may feel shame over seeking treatment, but recovery at every age is possible. 

Addiction Treatment Options for Seniors 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says this: “The notion that older adults are not interested in or do not respond well to treatment for substance misuse is simply untrue. In fact, when interventions are adapted to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs of older clients, they are likely to be effective.”[3]

Interventions must be adapted to meet seniors’ physical, cognitive, and social needs, and they can be offered in various settings. All treatment programs should address the comprehensive needs of the individual, including their physical ability, mental and emotional health, social life, and individual and community activities.[3]

Treatment options for older adults are similar to anyone struggling with substance abuse and include the following: 

• Medical detox
• Residential treatment
• Outpatient treatment 
• Brief interventions 
• Patient education 
• Relapse prevention techniques 
• Medications for substance use disorders

Due to their higher rates of co-occurring mental and physical disorders, as well as cognitive impairments and sensitivity to substances, older adults are at a greater risk of experiencing complications during drug withdrawal. Receiving treatment in an inpatient setting during this time can help to ensure a safe withdrawal process as well as strong emotional and psychological support throughout the process.[3]

An individualized approach to treatment is the preferred method of care for treating seniors with an addiction. The person’s unique set of needs, values, and goals are all considered and incorporated into treatment planning.  

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment for Seniors

High-quality treatment programs can be offered in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient settings require clients to live at the hospital or clinic where the program is being delivered. Care is intensive and provided around the clock. In an outpatient setting, many of the same services of an inpatient program are offered, but participants live at home and travel to the program location for their treatment sessions.[5]

Factors to consider before selecting an inpatient versus outpatient program include the following:[3]

• How will the individual’s physical needs be met, regarding any difficulties with walking, hearing, seeing, or other physical limitations? 
• How are cognitive challenges addressed, such as issues with memory and attention?
• Is information repeated or delivered at a slower pace if needed?
• Are age-related preferences accounted for, such as being in an age-specific group versus a mixed-aged treatment group?

Whether an inpatient or outpatient program is right for you depends on your personal situation. Factors such as stable housing, social support, and reliable transportation must also be considered when deciding between an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. 

Intervention Strategies for Senior Addiction

Staging an intervention can be an effective way to motivate a loved one to seek addiction treatment. Many people with an addiction are hesitant to seek help and may be unaware of how their substance abuse affects their loved ones. A well-staged intervention provides close family members and friends the opportunity to share how they have been impacted by the person’s substance use, how much they care for the person, and how they would like to see the person get help.[6]  

To conduct an effective intervention for seniors, take the following steps:

• Prepare examples of how the person’s substance use has been harmful to the various members of the intervention team.
• Provide a potential treatment plan, with clear steps and goals the individual can achieve.
• Identify consequences for what will happen if the person does not seek treatment. 

Family and friends play an essential role in an intervention and are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from addiction professionals. Intervention specialists can help the team members prepare well for the intervention to make it as effective as possible. They can also help to manage emotions and prepare the team for all possible outcomes, including the possibility that the individual may not accept help.[6]

Financing Senior Addiction Treatment

The cost of addiction treatment can be expensive. Fortunately, most insurance plans now offer mental health and addiction treatment coverage. If you have private health insurance, contact your insurance provider to find out what types of addiction treatment are available to you and how much of the cost is covered.

Almost 12% of people over the age of 18 who are enrolled in Medicaid have a substance use disorder and treatment is available to them.[8] For seniors with Medicare, substance abuse treatment is considered an essential health benefit and is a covered service.[7] Exact health benefits vary by state and the plan you selected, so consult your specific plan to find out how to get your treatment covered.

To discover additional ways to afford addiction treatment, explore the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) resources on How to Pay for Treatment.

Seeking Treatment for Seniors

Seniors present with a unique set of needs regarding addiction treatment that must be considered when seeking treatment. Older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions and take prescription medications, which increase the risk of substance misuse. By appreciating their unique needs, family members and caregivers can support older adults in seeking the treatment services they deserve.

Shame surrounding addiction can be a barrier for older adults to seek treatment, but it doesn’t have to be.[2] It is never too late to seek addiction treatment, as there is potential for recovery at every age. Smokers, for example, who quit smoking after the age of 65 can add years to their life expectancy and reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by half.[1] 

Getting treatment as soon as possible will help to reduce serious health complications caused by substance use. In rehab, seniors can acquire the skills needed to stop substance abuse and carry on healthy and productive lives. It just takes the first step to reach out for help. 

How to Prevent Substance Misuse in Seniors

Seniors and addiction often go hand in hand, but families can and do provide key help and support.

Start by spending time with the older person in your life. Connect for coffee, Sunday dinner, or a walk around the block. Let the person know that you care, and remind them that there are plenty of fun things to do that don’t involve substances.

Consider volunteering together at your local church, school, or community center. Give the person in your life an opportunity to connect with peers and contribute to the health and well-being of others. For people who feel isolated and forgotten, these opportunities can be very helpful.

If you think someone in your life is drinking too much or abusing substances, hold a conversation. The National Council on Aging recommends asking open-ended questions like the following:[10]

• At what age did you start using/drinking regularly?
• Were there periods during which you weren’t using?
• Have your habits changed due to a specific event (such as retirement)?
• What do you like about using alcohol or drugs?

Your goal is to encourage the older person to think hard about drug use and whether it’s helpful or harmful.

If the person wants to cut back on drinking or drug use, these steps from the National Institute on Aging may be helpful:[11]

• Talk to a doctor about medication options that could reduce cravings.
• Find a counselor who knows about addiction in older people.
• Attend a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
• Keep track of how much you drink or use per day, and decide if that’s something you want to keep doing or stop doing.

It’s not easy for anyone to quit abusing substances, and seniors may face unique challenges due to the length of their abuse. However, with your help and support, the person can get better.