By Barb Nadeau –
The use of and misuse of opioid medications has reached epidemic proportions and caused a national health crisis. Senior citizens are not immune. In fact, they may become inadvertently complicit.
According to recent studies, the population of older adults who misuse opioids is growing rapidly. Medicare Part D 2016 data shows that more than 500,000 Medicare Part D beneficiaries were prescribed high amounts of opioids, and using these drugs in doses far exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended amounts. Reports indicate that more than six out of every 1,000 Medicare patients are diagnosed with an opioid disorder, compared to just one of every 1,000 patients covered by commercial insurance plans.
Opioids are not just addictive, they cause many other health risks for seniors, from breathing, to confusion, to the increased risk of falls. Authorities are concerned over medications being stolen from seniors, from friends or relatives who are abusing these drugs, or because of their street value. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26% of people who abuse opioids get them from a friend or relative.
Awareness is the key to addressing any issue, especially one as important as this issue. Although many individuals shy away from controversy, it is okay to know something about drugs. It is especially important to know about the drugs you are taking.
Opiates are drugs originally derived from the poppy plant, while opioid drugs are synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs manufactured to have the same chemical structure as plant-based opium. Opioids are used as prescription painkillers, such as hydrocodone or Vicodin, Oxycodone called OxyContin or Percocet, or Morphine prescribed as Kadian, or Avinza, and Codeine. Codeine has the lowest potential for dependence or abuse, while heroin has no acceptable medical purpose and the highest propensity for abuse and dependence.
Of the more than 12 Million individuals who take prescribed painkillers each year, close to one quarter of these have been found to use their medications for reasons, or in amounts, beyond their doctor’s orders. For those 65 years of age and older, the rate of hospitalization due to opioid abuse has quintupled in the past 20 years. So, it is important to know the quantity of drugs you are taking as well.
It is important to understand the side effects of the drugs you are taking. It takes as little as five days to begin a physical dependence to an opioid drug. The longer it is taken the more the individual needs to take the drug to relieve pain. Tolerance increases over time, meaning in time the individual will need to take more of the drug to receive the same desired effect. Sometimes the individual thinks that the drug is relieving their pain, while it may only be relieving the pain of withdrawal.
Prescription drug misuse and addiction easily can go unnoticed within the senior population too, as some medical conditions exhibit the same symptoms as drug withdrawal. A senior exhibiting dementia or depression actually may be feeling the effects of drug abuse, or drug withdrawal. Seniors and their family members may be rather reluctant to admit to a drug addiction when they never have had trouble previously.
Some signs a person is addicted to opioids can include: Agitation, confusion, irritability, memory problems, neglecting personal hygiene, lack of interest in favorite activities, unexplained recurrent pain, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as chills, sweating, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms.
If your doctor prescribes a painkiller, ask for the lowest necessary dose, and ask about other alternatives to handle the pain. Always follow the doctor’s instructions and don’t drink alcohol while taking pain relievers. If you think you are being over-prescribed talk to your doctor immediately. Don’t hoard your medicines.
Some individuals don’t want to waste their unused pills, so they hold on to them in case they need them again. It invites theft. Of course you know this won’t happen to you. And yes, your grandkids are wonderful, but your grandkids’ friends may not be quite as wonderful, and you don’t know their friends at all. The friend of the friend may need money in a real bad way! Even worse, he or she may be addicted.
So, in order to be safe, be sure to keep medicines in a secure spot. Know what you are taking and why. Count your pills regularly so you’ll know if something is missing. Never share your medications with anyone. Dispose of unused medications. Read articles about drugs and drug abuse in the newspapers. And remember, knowledge and awareness is your best asset in preserving your health and safety.
Barb Nadeau works for Senior Services Associates of Kane, Kendall, and McHenry counties as a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) & Transportation Coordinator. She is a freelance writer and television host. She can be reached at bnadeau@seniorservicesassoc.org.