Should addiction treatment be specialized for the elderly?
Treatment for addiction in the elderly population may need to be specialized, as adults over the age of 65 are likely to have unique circumstances and specific needs that are different than those experienced by younger generations. AAC is in-network with many insurance companies.
How can counseling help older adults seek mental health treatment?
When indicated, a combination of medication and counseling can be a successful intervention for psychological symptoms. Both individual and group counseling are available for older adults seeking mental health treatment. Individual counseling provides older clients the time and privacy to discuss thoughts and feelings they may be experiencing.
Do older adults with substance use disorders need group therapy?
Older adults age 50 and over with substance use disorders need treatment services that are sensitive to age-related or generational issues. For some older adults with substance use disorders, attending group therapy with many younger adults can be uncomfortable.
How should a counselor approach a client who has an addiction?
The counselor should remind the client repeatedly of the purpose of their sessions, emphasizing what she and the client will and will not do as part of the relationship. Clients often substitute an attraction to the counselor for an attraction to the abused substance as a way to avoid dealing with unresolved feelings or emptiness.
What are some issues associated with addiction?
The Impact of Addiction Can Be Far-ReachingCardiovascular disease.Stroke.Cancer.HIV/AIDS.Hepatitis B and C.Lung disease.Mental disorders.
What is the best treatment for substance abuse in older adults?
It is also recommended that treatment for older adults integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as smoking cessation techniques and prescription drug addiction treatment.
What are the greatest ethical challenges an addiction Counsellor faces?
This article provides an overview of these issues, which include but are not limited to (a) the lack of communication and continuity between research and clinical practice, (b) lack of agreement over the necessary professional credentials, (c) the questionable propensity of group work in the addictions field, (d) ...
What treatment has been found to be most effective in treating addiction?
According to American Addiction Centers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a valuable treatment tool because it can be used for many different types of addiction including, but not limited to, food addiction, alcohol addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
Why are alcohol and drugs a serious problem among the elderly population?
Drug or alcohol abuse among the elderly is particularly dangerous because senior citizens are more susceptible to the deteriorating effects of these substances. Individuals over 65 have a decreased ability to metabolize drugs or alcohol along with an increased brain sensitivity to them.
How does substance abuse affect elderly?
Signs of possible substance misuse among older adults may include physical symptoms such as injuries, increased tolerance to medication, blackouts, and cognitive impairment. Psychiatric symptoms that may suggest a problem with substance misuse include sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
What are ethical issues in drug abuse?
As you work through this or other ethical decision-making models, you must take appropriate ethical and legal issues into consideration. These issues include informed consent, confidentiality, parents' rights, students' rights, duty to report and danger to others.
Why are ethics important in addiction counseling?
Ethics is essential to the safe and effective delivery of care to individuals seeking addiction treatment. Therefore, specific codes of ethics, as well as state and federal laws, have been developed to guide addiction professionals in their delivery of professional care to individuals seeking their services.
Why are there ethical codes in addiction counseling?
A professional code of ethics provides a philosophical framework that health care professionals, like substance abuse counselors, use to inform their practice. Ethical principles extend beyond what may be morally right and wrong in a given cultural context.
What is a treatment plan for substance abuse?
A substance abuse treatment plan is an individualized, written document that details a client's goals and objectives, the steps need to achieve those, and a timeline for treatment. These plans are mutually agreed upon with the client and the clinician.
What is the first step in treating a drug abuse problem?
Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
What are three options for drug abuse treatment?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•
Why is drug rehab important for seniors?
Clinical drug rehab is crucial for elderly people who suffer from addictions . Although many people fail to realize the prevalence of substance abuse among senior citizens, drug rehab facilities frequently treat the elderly for addiction to alcohol and prescription medications. Older people often suffer from a variety of ailments which make them especially susceptible to drug problems, and these pre-existing conditions can make treatment extremely difficult. Here are a few of the most common challenges which elderly addicts and their families face in seeking drug rehab.
How does drug addiction affect people?
Drug addiction almost always has devastating effects on suffers’ finances, careers, and family lives. These potential effects may keep many people from using drugs or drinking heavily in the first place. However, most people become less concerned with such responsibilities as they age. They retire, their children move out, and their incomes are relatively secure. The elderly often develop addictions even more readily than younger people because they have a great deal of time on their hands and perceive that they have less to lose.
Why do people abuse drugs?
Depression is one of the most common reasons why people use drugs and develop addictions. Elderly people who have lost friends and family members are particularly susceptible to depression, and they often abuse alcohol and prescription opiates to relieve their emotional distress. In fact, even seniors whose spouses still live and who maintain close ties with their children can still experience depressive thoughts. They may feel that they have nothing left to live for, or nothing new to look forward to.
Do elderly people have painkillers?
Senior citizens also tend to have weaker immune systems, and they more easily contract a myriad of diseases as they age. Because of these phenomena, many older people have easy access to legally-prescribed painkillers – drugs which their constant pain tempts them to abuse. Even those who don’t obtain prescription medicines can still fall victim to alcohol addiction as they attempt to relieve their pain.
How to help an elderly person in recovery?
Self-help and 12-Step programs may have age-specific groups and meetings for older adults that can provide a safe haven and supportive peer network for individuals in recovery to help prevent episodes of relapse. SAMHSA also recommends that a case manager who can check in with an elderly person regularly after leaving rehab, or a community-centered program, may be helpful to watch for signs of relapse. Friends and family members, and members of an elderly individual’s community, can all be important parts of a healthy support system that will enhance addiction treatment and promote long-term recovery.
Why can't older people diagnose substance abuse?
This is partly due to possible social isolation. Seniors are often retired and no longer in the workforce; they may live alone or far from family members; and personal social circles may dwindle as peers pass away or become less ambulatory. Even doctors may hesitate to diagnose a substance abuse problem as a kind of ageism, or prejudice, may exist with the notion that elderly individuals are entitled to their drugs or alcohol. People may not want to take substances away from elderly individuals and risk potentially negatively impacting their quality of life.
What is intervention in substance abuse?
An intervention is a carefully planned meeting of loved ones and family members affected by a person’s substance abuse. Often, the help of a trained professional is beneficial in the planning process as well as in the actual intervention.
Why is behavioral therapy important?
Behavioral therapy is often used during substance abuse and addiction treatment, as it helps individuals to find and recognize the connections between potential triggers, negative thoughts, and subsequent actions. Emotional, social, or physical triggers may be unique to an older adult and may center around certain life events or circumstances that a younger person may not relate to.
Why do seniors use drugs?
Addiction may start innocently enough, as elderly individuals are likely not abusing drugs to get high, but rather may be using them to reduce physical pain or emotional difficulties. Senior citizens may struggle with the aging process and may use drugs or alcohol to cope with mental or physical distress related to illness, chronic pain, the death of a spouse or loved one, families moving away, a decrease in ability to engage in some activities, big life changes such as the loss of a job or change in living arrangements, increasing psychiatric issues, or social isolation.
How does alcohol affect the elderly?
Alcohol and drugs present unique problems for the older adult population, however, negatively affecting both mental and physical health. As individuals age, physiological changes occur in the brain and body, making people more susceptible to, and less tolerant of, the effects of drugs or alcohol. Metabolism slows down, and medical complications may interfere with the way alcohol or drugs are broken down in the body. Substance abuse can increase the risk for falling and breaking bones, becoming addicted, having suicidal tendencies, exacerbate memory loss and possible delirium, and heighten the odds for a negative drug or co-occurring disorder interaction, the journal Future Medicine reports.
How many people will be over 65 in 2050?
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that, in 2012, there were 43.1 million adults over the age of 65, and this number is estimated to double by 2050, up to 83.7 million. Many of these senior citizens are members of the baby boomer generation – those born between 1946 and 1964 – who grew up in a culture of free love and drug experimentation. This generation may be taking illicit drug and alcohol abuse, as well as struggles with addiction, with them into their advancing age.
1. Family Secrets
Many families are more likely than not to keep "dad's drinking problem" an internal family issue than to actually deal with it and get the appropriate support necessary. The rally cry is "we can handle this ourselves." After all, we are a very private bunch who likes to keep those secrets-secret.
2. Family Embarrassment
Then there is the 'embarrassment factor'. This is similar to 'Family Secrets' above, but different in that it happens, not from a lack of understanding, but from having to publicly admit that dad or mom is a drunk or an addict.
3. Costs
Because of the lack of age-appropriate treatment programs covered by public funding, private clinics and facilities tend to be quite expensive. They can range up to $40,000 per month in some cases (and as little as $3,000 per month in more basic no-frills programs). So funds definitely play a role whether focused treatment is an option or not.
4. Inadequate Physicians Training & Frequent Mis-Diagnosis
Even though there are more physicians learning about addictions and treatment and some are beginning to 'specialize' in the treatment business, there are still too few who are making themselves available for every-day service.
5. Bad Physician-Client Communication & Follow Up
Seniors don't have a great deal of credibility in the 'system' when it comes to describing their issues - so they give up trying and just 'go with the flow'. The physicians rarely take the time to actually listen to what they are being told.
6. Lack of Senior-Specific Treatment Programs
There really aren't many treatment programs that are senior-specific and many times seniors end up going to a public program that is attended by clients of all ages.
7. Programs 'Too Remote'
Programs can be quite a distance from their holes, families, neighbourhoods and their friends. They feel isolated and that they are being punished in some way.
How does counseling help older adults?
Once an elderly client accesses mental health care , several adaptations to the traditional format allow the counseling experience to be of maximum benefit. Counselors need to be aware of the social context in which their older adult clients exist and the challenges of navigating an ageist world. For many older adults, entering into counseling is a new and possibly intimidating experience. Education about the counseling process may assist with rapport building and setting appropriate expectations. By outlining the logistics of the sessions (e.g., how long each meeting will last, the cost, and duration of therapy) and describing the process of therapy, the counselor can potentially alleviate concerns, allowing older clients to be active participants in the course of treatment.
Why is substance abuse overlooked in counseling?
Substance abuse or dependence is often overlooked within this population because of their reduced social and occupational functioning.
Why do older adults visit their primary care physician?
As many older adults are likely to visit their primary care physician first when experiencing problems, psychological problems may be reported in somatic terms. Elderly clients may express concerns about sleep disturbance, headaches, loss of appetite, or weight change rather than identifying anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, or depression. Counselors will gain increased understanding by assessing to what extent client symptoms are due to psychological factors and to what extent they are due to biochemical disturbance.
What is the importance of geriatric counseling?
The majority of counseling approaches build upon a foundation of respect, empathy, and support. Creating a culture where mentally healthy older adults are considered “normal” is paramount to the field of geriatric counseling. Counselors must promote the idea that old age in itself is not pathological and does not necessarily require counseling. However, when symptoms increase beyond the level of the older adult’s ability to function, counseling should be an option, regardless of age.
What is the reaction of a counselor to a client's death?
Counselors may be aware of their reaction to client death as being a double-level experience. As humans, they may face grief, guilt, and loss similar to others who have lost a close relationship. But counselors may also be cognizant of the client’s death in terms of their special role in that person’s life.
What is transference in counseling?
Transference involves the attribution of characteristics, traits, or behaviors to a person based on ideas about who the person is reminiscent of or who he or she represents. Thus, older clients may look at a younger therapist and reflect on their own mortality, their loss of relationships or independence, or their physical impairments. They may think it impossible that someone so much younger could understand their thoughts and feelings at the later stage in life. A younger therapist may focus too much on illness or death, or may treat an older client as “grouchy” or “fragile,” or may think of the client as a “kind grandparent-like” individual. When appropriate, talking about the possibility for misperceptions can lead to fertile conversations about age and the counseling process.
What is the best treatment for psychological symptoms?
When indicated, a combination of medication and counseling can be a successful intervention for psychological symptoms. Both individual and group counseling are available for older adults seeking mental health treatment.
Why is it important to have a therapist for elderly patients?
It is important for the psychiatrist or other mental health professional to realize that elderly patients often seek approval and support from their (sometimes much younger) therapists. They benefit from this appro val because it helps them restore a more positive view of themselves as competent and masterful and helps them reestablish continuity with their positive view of themselves.4The therapist is used by the patient for validation of competency and normalcy and for restoration of feelings of mastery and self-esteem.
Who is the author of Brief Psychotherapy with the Elderly?
4. Lazarus LW, Groves L, Newton N. Brief Psychotherapy with the elderly: A review and preliminary study of process and outcome. In: Lazarus LW, editor. Clinical Approaches to Psychotherapy with the Elderly. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc.; 1984. pp. 16–35. [Google Scholar]
Why is psychotherapy important?
Psychotherapy is an important skill for psychiatrists that can be used very effectively in treating the emotional problems of the elderly. The core principles of the therapies are similar to those of younger people in most ways. However, certain issues and themes may be unique to this population: issues of transference and countertransference related to the disparity of the ages between the patient and the therapist. A tailored, individualized, flexible approach that considers the patient's unique needs and takes into account specific developmental tasks and challenges associated with aging appears to benefit elderly patients.
How did psychotherapy help Harold?
For Harold, psychotherapy moved his focus from a denial of his oncoming death to a point where he gave up his denial and was able to review and examine his life. Psychotherapy prolonged and enriched his life and facilitated his preparation for dying. Specifically, techniques of “life-review therapy”11(creative reminiscing) were applied, in which Harold was encouraged to provide a narrative of his life. This narrative was not a recitation of what happened to him in a passive sense, but rather recalling the role he played in his own history. This provided a platform from which Harold was able to find new meaning in his life, its purpose, accomplishments, and disappointments, and an acceptance and ability to live in the present.
What was Harold's therapist's stance?
As therapy progressed with Harold, he adopted a kindly, parental stance toward the therapist and the therapist was seen as young and inexperienced and in need of education and help (reverse transference). However, beneath the surface interaction Harold had feelings of helplessness, inferiority, and fears of decline on the part of Harold. This defensive stance (resistance) was worked through in therapy, which helped Harold become more accepting and at ease with the realities of life.
What is the purpose of psychotherapy?
Like any other form of treatment, the purpose of psychotherapy is to relieve suffering, to allow normal functioning, and if possible to cure and prevent difficulties. Psychotherapy has been demonstrated to be as effective for elderly people as for younger populations, although clear superiority of one modality of psychotherapy over another has not ...
How did Harold's therapy begin?
The therapy began by providing a relationship in which Harold felt understood, supported, and valued. He was encouraged to outline his problems, express many feelings, and receive validation for the realistic pressures he faced. Harold's competence and experience were evident not only in his professional activities but in many of the ways in which he managed his life, and this was acknowledged by the therapist. The therapist also clarified issues that were presented in the discussion that had bearing on Harold's self esteem to help restore a positive sense of self.
Why do older adults need therapy?
Older adults may also be more likely to enter therapy late in life now than they were in the past simply because people live longer now than they did previously.
Why do older people go to therapy?
This appears to be due to the fact that attitudes pertaining to mental health issues have begun to change as awareness increases.
What is geriatric therapy?
Therapy for Geriatric Issues. Therapy can help older adults who may have difficulty with the transitions of aging to manage their emotions, find new sources of enjoyment and meaning, and find new support systems. It can help people face their fears of death, if they have such fears, and deal with grief as friends and family members pass on.
How can aging improve mental health?
Encouraging active and healthy aging may improve the mental health of older adults. Security and social support, adequate training for geriatric care professionals, promotion of good mental and physical health, and community programs may all help meet the needs of the elder population. Family and caregiver support and informed and compassionate care, when offered rather than forced on an individual, can also help older adults maintain their independence with the knowledge that help is available if needed.
What are the changes in cognition?
Researchers have found that healthy older adults often experience mild decline in the areas of: visual and verbal memory. visuospatial abilities. immediate memory, or the ability to name objects. hearing and vision.
What are some myths about older adults?
Myths about older adults that depict them as individuals who experience frailty, loneliness, cognitive impairment, and frequent irritability often contribute to the belief that older adults cannot make decisions for themselves and should not be allowed their freedom when they reach a particular age. Many older adults are able to live independently, experience only a slight decline in cognitive abilities, and do not experience personality changes as they grow older.
How many older people have depression?
Depression, which occurs in approximately 7% of the older adult population and is often undiagnosed and untreated. Older adults who live in a community have been shown to experience depression at lower rates than younger adults, however.