Addiction among our aging population goes undiagnosed

It is often overlooked and unnoticed, but addiction is a major problem among seniors. The signs of substance abuse may not be as obvious in older people as in younger people, due to the natural aging process.

Matthew Hodgins, a certified addiction counselor, wants to delve into the specific challenges older adults face with addiction and why they tend not to seek help.

Addiction is a persistent, relapsing condition characterized by continued substance use despite harmful effects. It is recognized as a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the medical community recognized that addiction was a biological condition. Historically, society has stigmatized and shamed individuals struggling with addiction, viewing it as a moral failing. This societal attitude has created enormous shame for many older people struggling with substance use, and even their adult children may be hesitant to address the problem. Additionally, seniors have limited access to addiction treatment, and coupled with feelings of shame, they often hide their addiction by isolating themselves.

Addiction risk factors in seniors

As individuals age, they face several risk factors that can contribute to addiction. Economic instability, declining health, grief, decreased social support, retirement, loss of purpose, physical changes in the aging body, and illnesses such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression all play a role in increasing seniors’ susceptibility to addiction. In particular, substance-related injuries tend to be more severe in seniors.

Substance abuse/abuse

Over the past twenty-five years, the average number of prescriptions for the general population has increased from 2.4 to 7.5 per year, with seniors currently using an average of 13 prescriptions per year. Drug abuse includes underuse, overuse, erratic use of medications, and the potential for harmful drug interactions. A significant portion of drug misuse and abuse among older adults involves prescription medications, second only to alcohol. However, addiction to illicit substances is underreported in this demographic group.

Elder abuse and addiction

Elder abuse refers to one-time or repeated actions, or lack of appropriate measures, within a trusting relationship that cause stress or harm to the aging individual. This can take the form of physical, psychological or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect or abandonment. There is a strong correlation between alcohol use and elder abuse. Older people who struggle with alcohol are particularly vulnerable due to impaired judgment and memory problems. Healthcare providers may encourage excessive use of medications or alcohol to gain adherence or financially exploit them. Seniors may also turn to substances as a means to cope with the abuse or neglect they are experiencing. Conversely, adult children of seniors may struggle with addiction themselves. This can lead to neglect and abuse of their parents, who may also face financial or material coercion. Unfortunately, older people are more likely to stay in an abusive relationship if the abuser is a family member.

Prevention and intervention

To reduce the risk of addiction among seniors, it is critical to increase efforts to educate the public about the effects of aging in combination with psychoactive substances. Screening for alcohol use disorders should be implemented in a variety of settings, including primary care and emergency services. Additionally, we must ensure that addiction treatment is easily accessible and welcoming to seniors. Matthew Hodgins has had the privilege of working with countless seniors on their road to recovery. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he directs two psychoeducational programs that provide a supportive community for people in recovery.

“I have come across many older people who have been hesitant to seek help out of shame. Some of them wondered whether recovery was worth it at their age,” explains Matthew. “I always remind them that today is the youngest they will ever be!”

“I joined the Matthew program in the fall of 2023 and found the sessions comfortable, relaxing and informative from the very beginning. Matthew’s supportive leadership and articulation made the men’s group sessions invaluable to my recovery. I can say with confidence that I am committed to sober living. I highly recommend Matthew to anyone seeking sobriety.”

Larry, 67