Given these effects, the recognition of drug abuse among the elderly population is quite an important task. The recognition of these symptoms, however, is made more complicated by the fact that many members of the elderly population already take a number of prescription drugs. The symptoms of drug abuse also mimic those of many illnesses that are often associated with aging.

This makes the proper recognition and treatment of drug abuse even more critical.

Treatment options: availability and barriers

Substance abuse problems among the elderly are often missed, due to lack of recognition from the caregiver and an unwillingness of the patient and/or family members to discuss the problem. However, when such symptoms are recognized, it is vital for intervention to occur immediately.

Experts recommend that an elderly substance abuser be immediately brought to the hospital. As the patient experiences withdrawal from the drug or alcohol, confusion and behavior changes could result within 48 hours. The severity and length of this withdrawal process could be even longer, especially those who are suffering from dementia (Ondus 1999). Patients in withdrawal therefore present dangers to themselves and the people around them.

To manage withdrawal from prescription drugs, a physician could gradually taper the drug use, to help manage the withdrawal symptoms. The slow discontinuation could also help to prevent "rebound" symptoms like anxiety and insomnia (Blow 2003).

A graduated withdrawal is even more crucial for psychotropic drugs such as benzodiazepine.

These medical procedures, however, are not enough. To manage the withdrawal symptoms, hasten recovery and prevent relapse, Benshoff et al. (2003) recommend that healthcare providers, the nursing staff and, when applicable, family members should strive to provide a supportive environment, especially at the treatment facility. This network of support will further encourage a patient to complete the program and work through the symptoms of withdrawal.

Primary caregivers and healthcare workers should also realize that many elderly patients might be resistant to seeking treatment for their substance abuse problems. Many elderly patients come from a generation that viewed substance abuse as a personal or moral failing....

It is at this stage where an understanding of what triggered the addiction in the first place could help (Mersy 2003). For late-onset drinkers, for example, a patient could go to therapy to deal with the life event that led to alcohol abuse.
This would help to guard against a relapse.

Participation of older adults in substance abuse treatment programs has been more successful in homogenous groups (Benshoff et al. 2003). This means that the recovering elderly addict will be more likely to participate in age-segregated treatment programs. Recognizing this, programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) designate specific elderly groups and hold sessions in senior citizens' centers. The idea is to provide peer support, along with socialization, activities, transportation and nutritious meals.

In conclusion, the successful treatment of substance abuse issues among the elderly first starts with an honest recognition of the problem. Caregivers and primary care workers should then be trained to recognize the symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse. Finally, successful treatment programs require careful medical management, as well as support from the peer group and loved ones.

In this way, steps can be undertaken to address this "silent epidemic."

Works Cited

Benshoff, John J. et al. 2003. "Substance abuse and the elderly: Unique issues and concerns." Journal of Rehabilitation. 69:2

Blow, Frederic. 2002. "Misuse and abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, and psychoactive medication among older people." Generations. 26:1.

Levin, S.M., & Kruger, J. (Eds.). (2000). Substance abuse among older adults: A guide for social service providers. Rockville, MD: Substance abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Mersy, David. 2003. "Recognition of alcohol and substance abuse." American Family Physician. 67:7

Ondus, Kathleen et al. 1999. "Substance abuse and the hospitalized elderly." Orthopedic Nursing. 18:4.

Rigler, S.K. (2000). Alcoholism in the elderly. American Family Physician, 61, 1710-1716.