How Does Alcohol Rehab for Senior Citizens Work?
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Alcohol Rehab for Senior Citizens
Most people don’t know that alcohol use is on the rise among the elderly population, just like drug abuse and other substance abuse disorders. Researchers are calling it an “invisible epidemic”.
Navigation: Why Do Some People Drink Alcohol Later in Life?
How Much Alcohol Can Someone Over 60 Drink Safely?
Alcohol Abuse and Aging
Alcohol and Co-Occurring Health Problems
Does Alcohol Increase the Risk of Accidents for Senior Citizens?
Why You Should Not Mix Alcohol and Medications
The Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism in Senior Citizens
Substance Abuse and Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Senior Citizens
Rehab is Your Best Chance
It’s not uncommon for elderly adults to enjoy the occasional drink with their family or during dinner. It’s fine even for senior citizens to drink every now and then. However, due to their age and health condition, older adults need to keep their alcohol consumption under control. It goes without saying that alcohol can have a different effect on the elderly population compared to younger adults.
Anyone can get addicted to alcohol, regardless of their age. But for senior citizens, the adverse health effects of alcohol abuse can be life-threatening. Alcohol complicates existing health problems. It can also have dangerous interactions with certain medications.
This problem is often overlooked because people don’t realize that even senior citizens can be heavy drinkers. Sometimes their health problems caused by alcohol abuse are mistaken as effects of aging.
Most people don’t know that alcohol use is on the rise among the elderly population, just like drug abuse and other substance abuse disorders. Researchers are calling it an “invisible epidemic”. There is the worry that alcoholism among senior citizens will become an even bigger problem in the future.
This is why it is necessary to discuss the relationship between alcohol and the elderly. Here we will talk about alcoholism, substance abuse treatment, and how drug and alcohol rehab works for senior citizens.
Why Do Some People Drink Alcohol Later in Life?
There are many reasons why some people may start drinking alcohol later in life. For senior citizens, it may have something to do with their emotions or current situation.
As people age, they experience more stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Drinking alcohol may be a way to temporarily alleviate these feelings and provide a sense of comfort or pleasure. Many seniors drink because they feel lonely and isolated. Perhaps they miss their kids and grandkids, or they lost their spouse and are dealing with grief.
Other seniors suffer from limited mobility which prevents them from participating in social activities. Some are just bored because they have fewer scheduled activities in their retirement.
Regardless of their situation, it may be difficult for senior citizens to process these difficult emotions, and so they turn to alcohol to escape and forget about their problems for a little while.
Those who struggled with alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction earlier in life are more likely to abuse alcohol again. Meanwhile, it is also possible for seniors to start drinking just out of curiosity because they never suffered from alcoholism in their youth. They may have avoided it earlier due to cultural, religious, or personal reasons.
While some seniors are bored due to a lack of socialization, others start drinking due to social reasons. After retiring, they may start spending more time socializing with friends and family members who drink. This may pull them into the habit of drinking alcohol. Alternatively, they may move to a new community where socializing with alcohol is more common.
Drinking habits among the elderly may also form out of a desire to cope with health problems, such as chronic pain or insomnia. They may find that alcohol helps them relax, reduce their pain, and fall asleep more easily. Some people drink to cope with an existing mental health disorder. Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression can be forgotten for a short period of time thanks to alcohol’s brain-altering effects. Alcohol relaxes you and lowers your inhibitions, making you feel good. This is why a lot of seniors use it for self-medication.
Unfortunately, there are also some people who start drinking later in life due to addiction or dependence on alcohol.
It’s important to note that drinking alcohol can have both positive and negative effects on a person’s physical and mental health, and this also goes for the elderly. But even though moderate alcohol consumption can have some health benefits, it may not be worth it in the long run especially if the senior picks up an unhealthy habit of drinking too much.
Heavy drinking can increase the risk of serious health problems, such as liver disease, cancer, and heart disease.
It’s worth noting that a lot of the causes of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcoholism are similar across different age groups, but some are more relevant for older adults. No matter what the reason behind alcohol abuse is, it is important to find the right alcohol treatment program for your loved one.
There are plenty of elderly rehab centers out there that provide alcohol addiction treatment services that are specially designed for the elderly. In addiction rehab, older adults can get proper treatment from medical professionals as well as round the clock care for their symptoms. Whether it’s outpatient treatment or residential treatment, there is a proper program for senior citizens struggling with the effects of alcoholism.
How Much Alcohol Can Someone Over 60 Drink Safely?
As people age, their body’s ability to metabolize alcohol decreases, which means that the same amount of alcohol that would have little effect on a younger person could have a greater impact on an older adult. Therefore, it is recommended that people over 60 years old should consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
The National Institute on Aging suggests that men over 65 and women of any age should limit their alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. Meanwhile, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that people older than 65 should have no more than 7 drinks a week. This is for seniors who do not take any medicines and are generally considered healthy.
It is important to remember that excessive drinking can have adverse health effects, including liver damage, and memory loss. Drinking over the age of 60 can also increase the risk of falls and accidents, which could lead to serious injuries.
Alcohol Abuse and Aging
Even without increasing their intake, older drinkers may experience stronger effects from alcohol due to an increased sensitivity to the substance. Imagine its potential impact on a senior who drinks heavily on a regular basis.
Alcohol abuse can have negative impacts on the aging process. Chronic alcohol use can lead to numerous health problems, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. It can also increase the risk of falls and accidents, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Additionally, alcohol abuse can exacerbate age-related health issues, such as osteoporosis and hypertension.
There’s also evidence that shows how alcohol abuse can speed up someone’s aging. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can accelerate the aging process. Long-term alcohol abuse can also cause premature aging of the skin and lead to the development of wrinkles and age spots.
Keep in mind that binge drinking can lead to disastrous consequences on your physical health and mental health regardless of your age. Since people over the age of 65 have a significantly slower metabolism, alcohol will stay in their system for a longer time. Drinking heavily at this age can lead to dangerous complications due to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Older adults also have less water in their bodies which means they get intoxicated faster and the effects of alcohol last longer.
Alcohol and Co-Occurring Health Problems
The elderly tend to deal with several health issues. Adding the effects of alcohol abuse on top of that can lead to dangerous complications. It can aggravate the illnesses that they already have. For example, heavy drinking can worsen diabetes, making it impossible for seniors to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Engaging in heavy drinking actually puts you at greater risk of developing diabetes in the first place.
Chronic alcohol abuse can cause or exacerbate a range of co-occurring health problems such as liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
Dementia is another example of a common health problem among senior citizens that is worsened by alcohol misuse. Drinking increases the risk of developing dementia as well as other memory-related problems.
Alcohol can also interfere with medication for other health conditions, causing adverse side effects or reducing the effectiveness of the medication.
Another danger of drinking for older adults is the increased risk of alcohol dependence and addiction. As people age, their bodies become less efficient at metabolizing alcohol. This makes it easier to become dependent on it.
Overall, the relationship between alcohol consumption and co-occurring health problems highlights the importance of responsible alcohol use and seeking appropriate medical care when needed.
Overall, it is important for older adults to be aware of the potential dangers of drinking alcohol and to make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption.
Does Alcohol Increase the Risk of Accidents for Senior Citizens?
According to studies and research, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of accidents for senior citizens. As people age, their bodies process alcohol differently, and they may have a lower tolerance for it. This can cause impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, and impaired coordination, which can increase the risk of falls and other accidents.
This means health complications are not the only thing senior citizens should be concerned about when it comes to alcohol misuse. The effects of alcohol can affect their coordination and make them more likely to get into an accident.
Seniors are more fragile than younger people because they have thinner bones. Falls and accidents can cause them to break their hip, arms, and other bones more easily.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is still extremely dangerous, but this applies to anyone regardless of age. Drinking and driving can put everyone on the road in danger of a traffic accident.
Why You Should Not Mix Alcohol and Medications
Alcohol’s interactions with commonly prescribed drugs can make them less effective, and in some cases, lethal. A lot of older adults take prescription drugs, which makes alcohol abuse even more dangerous for them.
Here are some of the reasons why you should not mix alcohol and medications:
Increased risk of side effects: Mixing alcohol and medications can increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired motor function. This can make it dangerous to perform certain tasks, such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery.
Reduced effectiveness of medications: Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, which prevents them from treating the condition they were prescribed for. Some seniors may make the mistake of taking higher doses to make up for the reduced effects. This can lead to alcohol dependence or an accidental overdose.
Increased risk of liver damage: Both alcohol and medications can cause liver damage. When consumed together, the risk of liver damage is even higher.
Dangerous interactions: Some medications can interact with alcohol in dangerous ways, such as causing a rapid heart rate or dangerously low blood pressure. It is safer to avoid alcohol altogether if you are taking prescription drugs to avoid the risk of a fatal overdose.
Overall, it is important to always read the labels of medications and keep in touch with your healthcare provider if you are taking prescription drugs and drinking on occasion. Keep them informed about the kind of medicines you drink, whether it’s simple herbal remedies, cold and allergy medicine, painkillers, etc. Stick with your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not take more than you are supposed to.
The Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism in Senior Citizens
If you think your loved one is struggling with alcoholism, you need to guide them towards recovery by recommending a proper addiction treatment program for seniors. But before you can do that, you need to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcoholism.
Identifying these symptoms may be difficult because senior citizens tend to have a lot of co-occurring health problems. Distinguishing the symptoms caused by alcoholism from the symptoms caused by other health problems can be tricky.
That said, the first sign of alcoholism in senior citizens is an increased alcohol tolerance. They may need to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effects as before.
They will also experience withdrawal symptoms whenever they try to reduce their intake or quit alcohol completely. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, sweating, tremors, and anxiety.
Your loved one may become secretive regarding their alcohol intake. They may hide their alcohol, drink in secret, or lie to their family members about it.
An addicted individual will start losing interest in things they used to enjoy. For seniors, this may include neglecting their responsibilities or avoiding social activities. Instead, they will spend their time drinking alcohol.
Other potential signs and symptoms to watch out for include:
Memory loss and confusion: Alcohol abuse can cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating especially in older adults.
Mood swings and irritability: Alcohol abuse can cause mood swings and irritability in senior citizens.
Physical health problems: Drinking alcohol can lead to health problems such as liver damage, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Increased falls and accidents: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially in older adults.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it is important to seek medical help or speak to a healthcare professional.
Substance Abuse and Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Senior Citizens
Although the impact of substance abuse on senior citizens is greater, treatment is actually similar to what younger patients go through. It will generally include a combination of medical detox and therapy to help the patient get sober and learn how to stay sober. Alcohol rehab for seniors will address their addiction and get to the bottom of their addictive behavior so that they can understand what pushes them into substance abuse.
Medical detox is the process of gradually lowering the patient’s alcohol intake so that their body can slowly recover from the effects of addiction. During this stage, the patient will experience withdrawal symptoms—that is why medical professionals will be on standby to assist them and take care of their needs during this uncomfortable phase of treatment. Medication management may also be used during this stage.
Some medications may be administered to help reduce alcohol cravings and manage other symptoms of addiction. However, the use of medication in seniors must be carefully monitored due to potential side effects and interactions with their existing medications.
During rehab, seniors may go through individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Therapy and counseling sessions may help seniors address the emotional and psychological issues that contribute to their alcohol use, such as grief, loneliness, or depression. Therapy may also include education about the effects of alcohol on aging bodies.
Just like other types of treatment, rehab for seniors may be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Either way, the goal is to help them recognize unhealthy thought patterns that are contributing to their alcohol abuse. They will be taught healthy coping mechanisms that they can use once they are out of rehab and living their normal life.
Overall, the treatment for alcohol addiction in senior citizens should be tailored to their specific needs and condition. Rehab programs work best when they are personalized to suit the patient’s unique needs.
Remember that treatment is available for anyone regardless of age or the severity of their condition. Everyone goes through addiction differently. This is why treatment must be personalized. However, there is no timeline for sobriety. Even if you are a senior citizen, you can still recover from your alcohol addiction or substance use disorder.
There are plenty of resources out there that will help you find senior rehab facilities near you or just learn more about addiction, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Get started on the road to sobriety today.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.
