Prescription drug abuse is difficult to detect in the elderly. That’s partially because symptoms of drug abuse such as forgetfulness and irritability may be dismissed as the person "just getting old." Here’s what you should look for …
To help avoid becoming "hooked" on a drug, make sure you know whether any treatments you take has addictive potential. If you do take a potential drug of abuse – an opioid or benzodiazephine -- use it only as directed. That means carefully following your doctor's instructions on how much of the drug to take, when to take it, and for how long. If you do not get the benefit you expect, ask your doctor before popping extra pills. Also ask your doctor about a safer, alternative drug you can take, particularly if you have a history of addiction.
If you think you may be dependent on a drug, talk to the doctor who prescribed it. Depending on the drug and your level of addiction, you may need to enter an inpatient rehabilitation program. In any case, you need to "detox" -- clear the addictive drug from your system. This must be done under the supervision of your doctor to prevent withdrawal symptoms and, in the case of benzodiazepines, seizures. So never try to treat a drug addiction on your own.
To prevent an addictive relapse, it's key to explore any feelings or life situations that may have driven you to abuse drugs in the first place. Your doctor or insurance provider may be able to refer you to counselors with specific experience in treating addiction problems. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hosts a substance abuse facility locator search engine on its website: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
Watch for These Danger Signs -- Following are some of the typical behaviors associated with drug addiction. If many of these symptoms sound like things you or someone close to you is experiencing, be sure to seek assistance from a health professional:
- memory lapses
- unsteady gait, falls
- changes in sleeping pattern
- irritability, sadness, or depression
- unexplained chronic pain
- changes in eating habits
- increased isolation from friends and family
- poor personal hygiene
- inability to concentrate
- general loss of interest
