Prescription Drug Rehab and the Elderly

Elderly Americans make up 14 percent of the population, but are prescribed nearly 25 percent of medications nationwide. Abuse happens easily: misreading the label, taking more or more often than prescribed, mixing medications with over-the-counter or intoxicating substances. Results can be toxic, even lethal.

Awareness is the first step in recognizing a potential problem. Old age doesn't disqualify a person from developing a dependency or drug addiction. The Canyon understands the depths of despair, frustration, and chaos that drug abuse can bring to the lives of loved ones and caregivers. Frequent health problems, confusion, hostility, and denial of the abuse can wreak havoc on the family.

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The Need for Prescription Drug Rehab Among the Elderly

Benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Xanax, Librium, and others) are most often prescribed for elderly patients to manage insomnia, anxiety, agitation, muscle spasms, or seizures. They are also highly addictive and increase the chances of mental and emotional difficulties, as well as neurological impediments with excessive use.

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Missing the Need for Prescription Drug Rehab Among the Elderly

Only 37 percent of substance abuse cases are recognized in individuals over the age of 60, compared to 60 percent of cases in people under age 60. Limited awareness of caregivers and medical professionals, even outright refusal to acknowledge the possibility of a problem, combined with an unrestrained enthusiasm for doling pharmaceuticals that only mask the symptoms of larger health issues create an atmosphere where substance abuse is as easy as going to another doctor for more drugs.

The fault doesn't lie solely on physicians, however, as patients can be deceitful and manipulative to get the medicines they need to control their symptoms. Patients may not realize just how addictive prescription drugs can be. They may have a genuine need for the drug in order to control distressing or painful symptoms that may be caused by the drug itself.

Determining the Need for Prescription Drug Rehab Among the Elderly

There is a fine line between symptoms of a legitimate illness and withdrawal symptoms of addiction. Determining the correct prognosis can be very tricky. Is addiction the result of self-medicating an undiagnosed illness? Or has the prescription drug addiction itself brought about neurological damage? Symptoms must be examined from every angle and compared to the patient's medical history for possible clues.

Asking patients to bring medications with them when visiting the doctor can provide a starting point from which to construct an accurate picture. More than one type of prescription or over-the-counter sedative, narcotic, or benzodiazepine is a definite sign of misuse. Through simple questioning, physicians can determine if the patient might have been confused or forgetful about the types of medications being prescribed and be on the lookout for further instances of drug abuse.

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Prescription Drug Rehab for the Elderly at The Canyon

The Canyon is the Malibu's premiere rehabilitation sanctuary for drug and alcohol abusers trying to get clean. From professional interventionists and medically supervised detox, to unique healing therapies and comprehensive aftercare counseling, The Canyon offers every resident the opportunity to reclaim their independence and a life worth living.

Call The Canyon today to find out more about personalized treatment plans for the young and old alike. .

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