Alcohol use in seniors can complicate current health problems, interact with medications, and lead to addiction. If you have an older loved one who is struggling with alcohol use and you’re worried about their future and well-being, you can do something about it. Family and friends are the best tools available to help your loved one get the treatment they need.
Why Seniors Are at a Higher Risk Level
Many seniors today grew up in a world where alcohol was consumed throughout the day, and substance misuse wasn’t all that uncommon. Now that they are older, they face more risk factors for addiction than ever.
- Seniors may drink because they are alone. A lack of social interactions and activities to fill their days makes drinking alcohol more common among seniors. They can drink because they don’t have as many responsibilities, but consistent alcohol consumption increases the risk of dependency.
- Past trauma and pain may be more exposed. Because seniors often have more empty time in their day, painful memories may start to rise to the surface. Drinking alcohol may help create a numbing effect.
- Deteriorating health conditions are difficult. As a person gets older, the number of health complications they have tends to increase even if they have been active and healthy for a long time. Vision and hearing loss, mobility limitations, and heart disease slow a person down. Alcohol is a way to escape these realities.
- Mental health challenges are common. Some seniors develop anxiety while others are battling post-traumatic stress disorder. Many struggle with depression because of their age, limitations, or many other reasons. Many don’t seek help for these conditions, either, choosing instead to self-medicate with substances.
- They are bored. Without a lot to do or as many responsibilities, many seniors turn to drinking more often.
Understanding why they are consuming a high amount of alcohol may help you understand how to help the seniors in your life. The key here is to recognize that you may need to do more for them than just keep them busy.
How to Help a Senior With Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder occurs when a person is consistently consuming alcohol, so much so that changes in the brain occur and, over time, lead to dependency. If a person becomes dependent, that means they have cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not using alcohol. At this point, addiction treatment in a professional setting is critical.
It can be difficult for many seniors to admit a problem with alcohol because of its strong stigma. However, those who develop alcohol use disorder later in life have more tools available than they may realize.
- Family and friends can offer support and guidance. Seniors who have a supportive family may benefit from their encouragement to attend treatment. An intervention could be a valuable tool for them.
- Many seniors can embrace outpatient therapy and maintain their privacy in doing so. With the support of family or friends to maintain appointments, outpatient therapy can be very effective.
- Inpatient treatment centers are available and may be covered under health insurance. For those with serious complications and addictive behaviors, this is the most robust way to get help.
Sometimes, a conversation with a family doctor can be eye-opening for a senior who may be battling alcohol misuse. Recognizing its impact on their health, the potential of losing their driver’s license, and how it interferes with their medications could help encourage a senior to get into treatment.
You can help your loved one today. Talk to them about what you see happening and your fears. Make sure they know how much you value them. Ask them to seek out treatment, with your help. Often, seniors are willing to listen to reason because your relationship with them is critical to their quality of life.
It’s not easy to be there for a senior when you have your own busy life. Reach out now to English Mountain Recovery in Sevierville, Tennessee. Let us help you care for your loved ones.
