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Taking prescription drugs with alcohol or drugs that are contraindicated with their medications is another. Drugs with psychoactive properties may be more prescribed amongst the elderly, because it is assumed they are less likely to abuse them: "Elderly individuals are 2-3 times more likely than younger individuals to be prescribed psychoactive drugs, most notably benzodiazepines [sedatives]…benzodiazepines make up 17% to 23% of drugs prescribed for older adults" (Benshoff 2003, p.1).
Both early and late-onset drug abusers are manifest in the elderly population: late abusers may be individuals who always engaged in moderate consumption, but because of chronic pain, social isolation, and depression have begun to use more painkillers or other medications than are medically necessary to cope with their illnesses. Others may have addictive tendencies and abused alcohol and hard drugs, but have shifted their addiction to more socially acceptable prescription drugs.
The elderly, because it is often assumed that they need drugs to function may 'go under the radar' in terms of drug abuse. Or it may be assumed that because someone is old, he or she is cannot change...
However, regardless of an individual's age, that person is still someone's mother, grandmother, father or grandfather. Every patient deserves dignity and care. Moreover, as individuals are living longer, age 65 is not 'elderly.' Living hostage to drug abuse is not necessary, provided abusers receive appropriate medical and psychological treatment.
References
Benshoff, John J. Laura K. Harrawood, Darwin Shane Koch. (2003, April-June). Substance
abuse and the elderly: unique issues and concerns. Journal of Rehabilitation.
Retrieved March 3, 2010 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0825/is_2_69/ai_102024782/pg_10/?tag=content;col1
Jorgensen, T., S .Johansson, a. Kennerfalk, M.A. Wallander, & K. Svardsudd. (2001).
March 3, 2010 at http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/prescription/prescription5.html
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