WELLINGTON COUNTY – Many people think addiction to alcohol and/or drugs is a concern that only affects younger people, but this is incorrect.
Older adults are the fastest growing subgroup of the Canadian population and with this, it is expected that substance use will continue to rise within the population as well. Various age-related changes result in older adults being more at risk of harmful effects pertaining to substance use.
BARBARA GRAY
We may not have changed the amount of substances we are consuming, but as we age, our bodies become more sensitive and process things at a slower rate.
Another thing to consider; we may be taking more medication which increases the risk of harmful drug interactions. But here’s the good news. Help is available, and recovery is possible, at any age. Just ask Barbara Gray.
“I’ve been an alcoholic for as long as I can remember – now I’m sober, never give up. There’s always hope, somehow, someday you can reach peace and sobriety,” Gray explained. “There’s lots and lots of help out there. Keep trying until you find what’s right for you.
“I’m 70, I only reached sobriety very recently. It’s never too late! It may seem daunting to change habits of a lifetime, but with support it can be done. It’s worth it to be freed from the burdens and costs of substance use. Reach out if you or someone you care about needs help.”
Types of substances can include:
– tobacco;
– alcohol;
– prescription drugs (pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants);
– cannabis; and
– illicit drugs (cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine).
When an older adult has a decline in their overall health, those around them, including medical professionals, may assume that this is due to the aging process.
We should all be aware that the signs of substance misuse are similar across age groups, they include:
– loss of co-ordination, falls, slurred speech;
– problems sleeping;
– decline in personal hygiene;
– irritability, depression or confusion;
– stomach problems, loss of appetite;
– covering up the extent of their substance use;
– tension with family, friends, lack of interest in staying in touch;
– desire to be alone; and
– signs of withdrawal such as a racing pulse, tremors, and agitation.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to an increase in substance use. Many older adults face these risks on a regular basis and there could be a combination of issues, including:
– chronic pain/illness, reduced mobility, poor health status;
– social isolation;
– lifestyle changes:
– grief and loss; and
– financial stress.
If your substance use has been negatively affecting everyday life, talk with someone you trust or let a healthcare professional know. You are not alone. The first step to tackling any problem is acknowledging it yourself.
For free mental health and substance use support contact Wellness Together Canada, a platform for Canadians funded by the Government of Canada. Speak with a counsellor by calling 1-866-585-0445.
For information about substance use and recovery support services contact Here 24/7 for services in Waterloo Region and Wellington County at 1-844-437-3247 or (519) 821-3582 or contact Addiction Services at the House of Friendship by calling Fiona at (519) 742-8327, ext. 221.
For outpatient treatment and recovery support contact Homewood Community Addiction Services (CADS) at (519) 836-5733, ext. 32396 or Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic. There is one in every area of the Waterloo Wellington region (and a new Mobile van as well) 1-844-722-2977.
For assistance with reducing alcohol consumption, contact Community Withdrawal Support Service at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community by calling 1-844-722-2977.
Submitted by the Older Adult Substance Use Working Group of the Waterloo Wellington Older Adults Strategy
