Caregiving Through Addiction: Supporting Seniors Facing Substance Misuse

Senior Sense January 28, 2025January 28, 2025

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As we age, life brings a cascade of changes—shifts in health, family dynamics, mobility, and daily routines. While these transitions are natural, they can also open the door to unexpected challenges. Among them, substance misuse has quietly emerged as a growing health crisis for seniors.

Roughly 1 in 25 adults (age 57-85) are at risk of major drug dependence based on previous opioid use. Additionally, about 65% of people 65 and older reported high-risk drinking in the past year. Unlike the previous two substances, marijuana has only recently emerged as a substance putting the elderly at risk, with the number of people 65 and older using marijuana rising by 18%.

These numbers tell a sobering story: substance misuse among older adults is not only on the rise but is often overlooked. With unique risk factors like chronic pain, social isolation, and changes in living situations, seniors face vulnerabilities that amplify the impact of substance misuse.

In this article, we’ll explore why substance misuse poses such serious dangers for seniors, the warning signs to watch for, and how caregivers can support their loved ones through education, awareness, and proactive prevention.

Why substance misuse is so dangerous in seniors

Although alcohol and drug misuse is harmful at any age, the impact is more severe, the occurrences and risks of harmful medication interaction are much higher, and the general physical effects of substance misuse are more debilitating for seniors. In fact, alcohol and drug problems, specifically prescription drug misuse, among older adults is one of the fastest-growing health problems in the nation. To combat this problem, we need to cultivate a better understanding, sense of awareness, and response to the issue.

Risk factors for substance misuse in the elderly

There are several risk factors that may contribute to substance misuse in the elderly. These can include chronic pain, mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, social isolation, retirement, and other life changes. Retirement can also be a significant life change that can lead to feelings of loneliness or boredom, which may increase the risk of substance misuse. By exploring these risk factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of why substance misuse is on the rise among the older population.

Chronic pain: Many seniors experience chronic pain, which can lead to the use and misuse of prescription painkillers. Chronic pain can also make it difficult to engage in physical activity or social events, which may increase the risk of substance misuse.
Mental health issues: Seniors may be more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which can increase the risk of substance misuse. These issues may be related to social isolation, chronic illness, or other factors.
Social isolation: Seniors who are socially isolated or lack social support may be more likely to turn to substance misuse as a way of coping with loneliness or boredom.
Retirement: Retirement can be a significant life change that may increase the risk of substance misuse. Seniors who feel unfulfilled or bored in retirement may be more likely to turn to substance misuse to fill the void.
Loss of loved ones: The loss of loved ones, including spouses and friends, can be a major stressor for seniors and may increase the risk of substance misuse.
Changes in living situation: Seniors who experience a change in their living situation, such as moving to a new home or entering a nursing home, may be more likely to turn to substance misuse as a way of coping with the stress and upheaval.
Financial strain: Seniors who experience financial strain, such as high medical bills or a lack of retirement savings, may be more likely to turn to substance misuse as a way of coping with the stress.

These are just a few of the key risk factors that may contribute to substance misuse in the elderly. By understanding these risk factors, we can better identify and address substance misuse among seniors and work to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Signs of substance misuse in the elderly

Frequent injuries: Because alcohol impairs both cognition and mobility, unexpected injuries can happen. If your senior loved one has multiple cuts, bruises, or other injuries, this could be the first telltale sign of substance misuse.
An overabundance of empty beer, wine, or liquor bottles: A plethora of alcohol or pill bottles, whether they’re scattered around their living space or piled high in the recycling, indicates more concrete evidence of dangerous levels of substance misuse. If you see these signs, make sure to speak to the elder about whom you are worried immediately and seek out professional help at your discretion.
Displaying signs of cognitive impairment: Another warning sign of substance misuse is cognitive impairment, which includes symptoms like forgetfulness, unsteadiness, confusion, and memory loss.
Unpredictable mood swings: This sign appears when you engage the senior directly. If their alterations in mood seem far outside the ordinary, you might want to seek professional help to identify and support them through their substance misuse issues before the misuse entrenches itself too deeply inside them.

The impact of substance misuse on caregivers

Substance misuse doesn’t just affect the seniors who are struggling with it; it deeply impacts their caregivers as well. Whether you’re a family member or a healthcare professional, supporting an elderly loved one through substance misuse can lead to significant stress, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion. Recognizing these challenges and equipping caregivers with the right tools and support is essential for both their well-being and the recovery of the senior they’re caring for.

How Caregivers Can Support Seniors Facing Substance Misuse

Caring for a senior who is dealing with substance misuse requires a compassionate, informed approach. Here are some key steps caregivers can take to help their loved ones:

1. Initiate Open Conversations

Approach the topic of substance misuse gently but directly. It’s important to create a safe space where the senior feels heard and not judged. Start with observations rather than accusations, such as, “I’ve noticed you’ve been more unsteady lately. Can we talk about what might be causing this?”
Be Patient: Understand that seniors may be resistant or defensive. Substance misuse often comes with a sense of shame or denial, and it may take time for them to open up about their struggles.

2. Educate Yourself on Substance Misuse

Research and Understand: Learn about the substances commonly misused by seniors, such as prescription medications, alcohol, and marijuana. This knowledge will help you better understand the risks, symptoms, and potential interactions.
Know the Signs: Be aware of the warning signs of substance misuse, such as unexplained injuries, mood swings, cognitive impairment, or an overabundance of alcohol or prescription bottles. Being informed enables you to identify issues early and seek appropriate help.

3. Seek Professional Help

Involve Healthcare Providers: Don’t hesitate to reach out to doctors, nurses, or substance misuse specialists. They can provide assessments, recommend treatments, or suggest safer alternatives for managing pain or anxiety.
Consider Counseling: Both the senior and the caregiver may benefit from counseling. Therapy can provide a space to discuss emotional challenges, cope with stress, and build a supportive recovery plan.

4. Utilize Respite Care and Support Groups

Respite Care: Caregiving can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with substance misuse issues. Utilize respite care services, which offer temporary relief for caregivers by taking over caregiving duties for a few hours or days.
Support Groups: Join a support group specifically for caregivers dealing with substance misuse in seniors. Sharing experiences with others who understand your situation can provide emotional relief, practical advice, and a sense of community.

5. Develop a Plan for Crisis Situations

Prepare for Emergencies: Substance misuse can lead to unpredictable behavior or health crises. Develop a plan for what to do in case of an overdose, a fall, or an aggressive episode. Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible, and make sure you have quick access to the senior’s medical information.
Establish Boundaries: Know your limits and set boundaries to protect your own health. Caregiver burnout is real, and taking care of yourself is critical to being able to provide ongoing support.

6. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Encourage Social Engagement: Social isolation is a significant risk factor for substance misuse among seniors. Help your loved one stay connected with friends, family, or community groups. Activities like volunteering, hobbies, or senior exercise classes can provide purpose and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Support Healthy Habits: Assist your loved one in adopting healthy habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Encourage participation in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, which can serve as alternatives to substance use.

7. Maintain Regular Communication and Check-Ins

Frequent Check-Ins: Regular communication is key to building trust and monitoring changes in behavior. Set up daily or weekly check-ins, whether in-person, by phone, or through video calls, to ensure your loved one feels supported.
Build a Care Network: Don’t go it alone. Involve other family members, friends, or community members in providing support. A collective approach reduces the burden on any single individual and ensures that there are multiple layers of care.

Types of substances misused by seniors

Here are some of the most commonly misused substances by seniors:

Prescription medication: In spite of numerous warnings and thorough FDA trials and approval processes, prescription medications can also cause severe impairment and subsequent misuse. Some of these risks include accidental misuse of prescription drugs and worsening the condition of existing mental health issues.
Alcohol: Alcohol is by far the most ubiquitously misused substance by those 65 and older. That is because it has been legal and most available for the longest of the misuse-prone substances. Many of the admissions of substance misuse disorder in the United States include alcohol.
Marijuana: Whether it is smoked or consumed in edible form, marijuana poses many risks for senior citizens of all spades. Although it is now being prescribed medically for those with conditions such as chronic pain or PTSD, a lack of education on quantity control has led many to overuse marijuana to dangerous degrees. Therefore, if a senior who is dear to you is using marijuana for medicinal purposes, make sure you or an elderly care professional keeps a close eye on their dosage.
Nicotine: Similar to marijuana, nicotine is most often smoked or vaped. Nevertheless, nicotine is far more addictive than some of the other substances seniors most frequently misuse.

If you think your senior loved one is struggling with substance misuse, contact Wellspring Center for Prevention to learn more about a number of programs dedicated to seniors that can assist with promoting healthy decisions, creating a healthy environment, and engaging them in education towards a positive lifestyle.