Alcohol, Drugs, & Seniors
Alcohol & Seniors
A recent government health survey found that 1 to 5% of seniors were problem drinkers who reported significant psychological and/or physical dependence on alcohol.
Other surveys have found:
- 5 to 12 % of men in their 60's have alcohol problems
- 7% of women and 17% of men 65 and over exceeded ‘sensible limits’ of regular consumption
Stated reasons for increased drinking:
- change in lifestyle ( retirement, decreased social activity)
- isolation and loneliness
- illness and pain
- help them sleep
- cope with distress (physical and emotional)
Consequences
Tolerance to alcohol is significantly lowered in the elderly so it is possible that the same amount of alcohol can have a much more serious effect that on a younger person.
- higher blood alcohol concentration (impaired driving)
- alcohol depresses brain function resulting in impaired co-ordination and memory
- can lead to falls and general confusion,
- heightens emotions leading to moodiness, irritability or even violence
- effects digestion making it more difficult to absorb needed minerals and vitamins
- diminished effectiveness or exaggerated effects of some prescribed drugs
- reduces rem (rapid eye movement) sleep which can increase depression
Seven Good Reasons for Cutting Down
1. Alcohol-related diseases reduce a person’s life span, on average by 6 to 29 years.
2. Hangovers? There is a greater risk of stroke or heart attack, with as little as one hangover a month
3. Alcohol is second in importance only to smoking as a proved cause of cancer.
4. People who drink a lot (6 beer) at one sitting face a much higher risk of hardening of the arteries.
5. Long term alcohol consumption significantly affects a senior’s ability to walk. It can lead to muscle disease and peripheral neuropathy.
6. Memory becomes impaired the more you drink, both in the short term and long term.
7. Drinking alcohol makes fat burn more slowly. Regular consumption increases the likelihood of gaining weight.
Drugs & Seniors
- Use - specific use of a medication to correct and/or treat a condition.
- Misuse - when a medication is used or prescribed improperly.
- Abuse - when medication is used on purpose in an inappropriate way.
For many seniors, a dose that is normal for a younger person may equal an overdose for a senior because:
- Although the absorption through the bowel wall stays the same, there may be a reduction in the rate it clears through the kidneys.
- Changes in body makeup- older bodies tend to have a lower percentage of water and a higher percentage of fat than they did when younger. If the drug is water soluble, this can cause a higher concentration.
- Reduced metabolism- this can result in the drug staying in the system longer. This can result in over medication.
- As we age, the risk of drug/drug and drug /food interactions increase- due to increase in allergies and number of medications used.
Common Problem Areas
1. Taking multiple drugs
2. Misunderstanding instructions
3. Poor compliance with instructions
Solutions
1. Use medications as a last, not a first resort to solving problems
2. Simplify (when and where you take your meds)
3. Maintain up to date list of ALL drugs used (even over the counter)
4. Always bring your list to your appointment with your doctor.
5. Show your list to your pharmacist when purchasing medications of all kinds.
6. Use the same pharmacist
7. Review all drug use with your doctor every 3 to 6 months.
8. NEVER use someone else’s medication.
9. Ask for drug information in writing:
- Name of drug
- reason for taking it
- detailed instructions for use
- any food/alcohol/drugs to be avoided when used
- possible side effects
- when to stop using
