Teenagers are not the only ones vulnerable to addiction these days. As difficult as it is to imagine, senior citizens are increasingly being added to the numbers of those with addiction problems as well. It may take you by surprise to know that over 3 million seniors in the country alone suffer from drug abuse or alcoholism. There are many factors about why seniors are involved into addiction problems.
This mostly happens when seniors are prescribed narcotic painkillers. These drugs give a feeling of elation and euphoria, which helps to control physical and emotional pains.
The senior may take their prescription drugs even after being cured of pain or for the slightest of pains. When they continue taking them for a long time, they develop a level of tolerance that enables them to take a higher dosage. And even without any pain, they feel they need to take them to be able to act normally. It becomes a ritual or a habit, and before you know it, they are already hooked into addiction without them realizing or having any choice.
Sometimes they find themselves so caught up with the pain from bereavement of their loved ones, from divorce, and even from bullying, and they simply want a way out. Moving on in these situations is always difficult. So, a casual drink or two or a higher dose of a prescription than they should be taking develops into dependency over time.
What Can You Do To Stop Senior Addiction?
Seniors under serious addiction need special attention when it comes to their recovery. There is intervention programs aimed at intervening in their senior addiction before it worsens.
An intervention program is not a new method when it comes to fighting substance abuse. Intervention starts with loving conversation, but not confrontational. It is a frank, yet respectful way to help your seniors realize that they need help.
The family's involvement is also acknowledged to help their love one accept the reality and be willing to go under treatment. During these intervention meetings, family members and close friends will express their feelings and how their addiction has impacted them. Sometimes assurance and acceptance are what they only need to have the courage to step up.
Once the senior agrees to go under treatment, they will be moved to the next phase. Rehabilitation for seniors is much more difficult than ordinary rehabilitation . With continued encouragement and support, your senior will have a much better chance to recover and live the remaining days of their lives to the fullest.