Understanding and Preventing Drug Abuse Among Seniors

By Simon Mwangi

As our population ages, we are having to face a growing, generally overlooked crisis of drug abuse among seniors. What once were considered problems for the younger generation are increasingly found in our older population. The reasons behind this troubling trend are complex and multifaceted, but understanding them holds the key to developing effective prevention strategies.

Statistics show that there are approximately 2.2 million people aged 60 years and older (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2019) in Kenya.

Globally, one of the major reasons cited to be behind the increasing cases of drug abuse among elderly people is an increased incidence of chronic pain. As one grows older, the body becomes more prone to a whole range of problems, from arthritis to back issues. The doctors prescribe very strong opioids for treating the related pain. Where they are highly effective in delivering relief, they come with the dangerous possibility of dependence. Too often, many of these seniors are caught in this vicious circle of addiction when all they were looking for was relief from physical suffering.

There is also the emotional wear and tear associated with growing older. This may be an empty feeling—lack of purpose and loss of social contacts—with retirement, even when well-planned. A state of depression or anxiety can result from the death of the spouse or friend, or reduced mobility and increasing isolation. Some turn to alcohol or drugs, mistakenly seeking temporary relief from the pain of loneliness or fear of mortality.

Furthermore, stigma against mental health conditions in elderly persons often acts as a barrier to care. The vast majority were raised in an era where little, if any, emotional matters were discussed, and as such, self-medication was the rule rather than the presence of professionals. This lack of dealing directly with issues of mental health can perpetuate substance abuse problems.

It can also be a factor of financial stress. With fixed incomes and increasing healthcare costs, some seniors might turn to cheaper, illicit drugs to manage pain or emotional stress when they can no longer afford prescribed medications. Such substitution is dangerous and, therefore, leads to many other additional serious health and legal problems.

This means we must consider the intergenerational effects of attitudes in their relationships with drugs from one generation to the next. The baby-boomer generation is entering old age now, but they were raised during times of increased experimentation with drugs. Some carry this behavior over into old age and may view recreational drug use as normal in life, rather than a potential danger.

This is a complex issue that calls for a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, there is a dire need to promote education and awareness of the dangers of drug abuse among seniors. This would involve not only the seniors themselves but also their families, caregivers, and even healthcare providers.

Substantial training should be provided to healthcare professionals regarding spotting the symptoms of substance abuse in older patients and looking for alternative methods for managing pain with lower addiction risks. Steps could include physical therapy, acupuncture, or using pain relievers not having opioids. Regular medication review identifies potential drug interactions and minimizes the risk of possible misuse in cases of accidental ingestion or use.

We have a lot of work to do in taking away the stigma associated with mental health treatment for older adults. Encourage seniors to seek counseling or support groups, giving them a healthy outlet to deal with life. Community centers and senior living facilities can also play important roles in the creation of social connections and engaging activities to replace isolation and boredom.

Underpin systems of financial support allow seniors to afford needed medication and treatments; otherwise, they may resort to dangerous alternatives. This could be done through Medicare coverage expansion or the creation of subsidies for essential prescriptions.

The need to educate family members and caregivers about the warning signs and symptoms of drug abuse among seniors is of the essence, and fostering an open, non-judgmental conversation regarding substance use is called for. A supportive environment shall therefore have to be set up so that a senior feels comfortable discussing difficulties to be able to carry out early intervention effectively.

Such senior preventive programs should be designed and practiced universally. These can consist of workshops on healthy aging, handling stressful situations, and medication alternatives to alleviate pain. Peer support groups led by recovered senior addicts could serve as a powerful testimony and mentorship.

We have to change the attitude toward aging in our society. If we teach people that the later years of life can be the growth time, learning period, and the beginning of new experiences, then the older persons continue to feel a sense of purpose and identity in life. All this optimism can work very strongly against substance abuse.

Treatment of drug abuse in seniors is not just a public health imperative, it is also a moral one. A group of people who have contributed so much to our society all their lives deserves to enjoy their later years with dignity and support. Understanding the roots of senior drug abuse and implementing comprehensive strategies of prevention can help ensure that our elders experience the quality of life they deserve.

The writer is the Manager, Corporate Communications National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drugs Abuse (Nacada)