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We don’t necessarily think of senior citizens having substance abuse issues, but about 17% are vulnerable to developing a problem because of life changes such as loss of spouse or friends, health restrictions or the changes of identify that retirement brings. Check out this guest blog by Delores Johnson to see if you or someone you know may be dealing with substance use challenges. Blessings – Lynn
Lynn Telford-Sahl is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with a Masters in Psychology with a Holistic Specialization from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA. 209 505-2675 lynntelfordsahl@gmail.com
Is Someone You Know Dealing with Substance Abuse Challenges?
- Alcohol and prescription drug abuse are the most common forms of addiction in adults over the age of 60. Retirement, death of a loved one, financial stressors, and health decline often contribute to health-related problems and life-changing events which can help trigger these addictions late in life. Individuals over the age of 65 can have much worse significant health problems sooner than they would in younger people since they have a harder time metabolizing substances like drugs and alcohol.
Older adults can opt to reside in assisted living facilities. But having an addiction adds an extra set of challenges and variables for loved ones to consider. Check out this guide to find the best suited facility for your loved one: https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/assisted-living-and-addiction/
- Prescribed medication can be a dependent for those living with addiction, especially for the older community. Medicines like opiates and Benzodiazepines are just a couple of the most common types of addictive prescriptions out there.
by Delores Johnson
