Ask older clients what they know about nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention for people their age. Advise older clients to check with their healthcare provider before starting or dramatically changing their exercise routine or diet. In rare cases, friends and family members may commit elder abuse.1166 If you think such mistreatment is occurring, screen your older client for elder abuse (see Chapter 3 of this TIP). Impairment in executive functioning, which makes it hard to engage in health-promoting physical activities1158 or follow a relapse prevention plan. Providers can help older adults feel more empowered by understanding the normal developmental challenges of aging and age-specific strategies for promoting resilience and setting goals. Research supports involving clients with SUDs in treatment decision-making processes.539 In some cases, matching clients’ substance-related treatment preferences has led to improved outcomes.540 However, shared decision making in the context of SUDs can be challenging.
- Ask for support from family members or tech-savvy friends who can help set up a computer, tablet, or cell phone; teach them how to safely use social media and other apps; and provide ongoing support in their use of technologies.
- Unexplained money troubles, especially in someone who has always been financially stable, might indicate that funds are being diverted to support an addiction.
- Many substance abuse issues begin with casual use and normal prescription schedules.
- See Chapter 4 of this TIP for more information about family and caregiver involvement.
Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults: Mini Review
The LSNS-6 is available via /content/bc-web/schools/ssw/sites/lubben/description.html. Helping them identify emotionally meaningful goals that support recovery and improve health and wellness (e.g., spending more time with family and friends, maintaining independence or recovery support, aging in place). Recognizing that multiple losses may trigger trauma reactions in older adults with a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, and treating co-occurring mental disorders concurrently.
- Educating family members about the importance of visiting the older adult when he or she is not misusing substances, rather than visiting only during substance-related crises (e.g., binge episodes).
- Three key elements of preventive care for older adults in recovery from substance misuse are nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention.
- Opioid Treatment Program Directory If opioids are causing struggles, this directory helps you find treatment in your state.
- Explore their thoughts about changing their behaviors, such as cutting down on alcohol use or monitoring their prescription medication intake.
- Helping your older clients accept supports and services needed to maximize functioning and independence.
- The NSDUH does not publish disaggregated treatment data on individuals ages 65 and older.
Addiction in Older Adults: Recognizing and Addressing Substance Abuse Later in Life
Individual treatment rather than group treatment might also be a better choice. Some medications can cause side effects that are similar to symptoms of depression (like trouble sleeping or feeling low energy). Screen and assess clients for factors that increase the odds of misuse and addiction. Check for possible drug-drug interactions with clients’ other medications. Sometimes referral to an outside provider (e.g., licensed psychologist, clinical social worker) is needed, depending on the expertise of the staff members in your program.
Conducting Full Assessments for Substance Misuse
You can help clients discover their own reasons for wanting to change by talking about these mixed feelings and pointing out problem areas. Per SAMHSA, it is a clinical approach to helping clients make positive changes in their behavior. MI involves techniques like showing concern and empathy, substance abuse in older adults avoiding arguing, and supporting a client’s self-efficacy (a person’s belief that he or she can successfully make a change). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5; Exhibit 3.6) is an updated version of the widely used and researched PTSD Checklist (PCL), which was based on DSM-IV criteria.
- Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
- They sometimes experience minimal disruption to their lives, but this should still be taken seriously because substance use or abuse of any level—especially for the elderly—can exacerbate health problems.
Studies have shown heavy alcohol use (three or more drinks per day), especially among older adults, can lead to faster cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia. Older adults can be at even greater risk if they’re on medications that interact poorly with alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that we metabolize things we ingest, such as medications or alcohol, more slowly as we age. Second, they suggest healthcare practitioners may be under-diagnosing the issue due to unconscious ageism.
Their history of using support groups and community support and in what ways such supports were (or were not) helpful. Periodically review the ongoing need for the opioid medication, and consider whether the dose can be reduced, tapered, or discontinued. Second, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ use a pain rating scale to learn the intensity of your client’s pain. Assessment of skills used in everyday living, like dressing, bathing, shopping, and managing money. Decide whether other conditions are present that need to be addressed during treatment.
Referral, Treatment, and Support Group Locators
