Category: Articles

Recognizing Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction in the Elderly.

Addiction

Addiction does not discriminate. In fact, addiction can affect the rich, poor, well educated, all races, and all ages. This means that whether you are 25 or 90, addiction can become an issue. While those who are aged are not as likely to become addicted to illegal drugs, a dependence on prescription drugs is always possible. If you or someone you know and love that is elderly may have an issue with prescription drugs, then you should know the warning signs and know where to get help. The remainder of this article will discuss the signs of prescription drug addiction in the elderly. As well as the treatment options available to this population.

Signs of Prescription Abuse in the Elderly

Prescription drug abuse is defined by the using of prescription drugs in a way that is not consistent with a doctor’s orders. This can include taking medications incorrectly or to continue taking medication that is no longer needed. It may also include taking prescriptions meant for someone else. Or even mixing medications with other drugs or even alcohol. This can lead to a serious problem such as overdose, addiction, or even unexpected interactions. This can also lead to necessary medications not working properly or at all. While most prescription drugs are safe when taken as prescribed, not following directions can be problematic.

The majority of older adults who suffer from prescription drug abuse have come to the point by accident. As this age group takes more medication than other populations. Most use at least five prescriptions regularly, the risk for mixing up medications or improper use is heightened.

Opioids and Benzodiazepines

Any type of prescription medication can be abused. However, with the elderly population there are two main types that have a potential for addiction. These include opioids and benzodiazepines. Opioids are used to control pain. Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety or insomnia.

It can be difficult to distinguish prescription drug abuse and the typical signs of aging in the elderly. Mostly because the symptoms are very much alike. This can include memory loss, confusion, and even lack of coordination. However, if you are caring for someone elderly and notice the following signs, a problem may exist.

Anyone who receives the same medication from two separate doctors or fills the same prescription at two different pharmacies may have a problem. Taking more of a medication or taking it more often than prescribed, as well as becoming withdrawn or angry can point to addiction. Often discussing medication, appearing confused, forgetful, or afraid to leave without medications in hand are also red flags. If the person has been treated before for drug or alcohol abuse, hides medication, stores ‘extra pills’ or makes excuses why more medication is needed, then a problem needs to be addressed.

Seeking Help

If you suspect someone you know is abusing prescription medication, or notice signs of prescription drug addiction then contact their doctor immediately. A medical professional can offer an evaluation and diagnosis of whether a problem exists. The doctor will also determine the best treatment options for that individual. While it is unlikely that all prescriptions can be removed simply due to issues related to age, a stricter regime can be set up to control any possible abuse. Treatment may include medication to help addiction, counseling, or a combination of the two. Your loved one may not even know a problem exists, this is why being aware and ever vigilant is so important.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Can Vivitrol Help With Opioid Addiction?

What is Opioid Addiction

With opioid addiction, even short term addiction can lead to overdose. Opioids are a class of drug, some prescription, some manufactured, are opium like compounds that bind to one or more of the three opioid receptors in the brain. When used as directed, opioids are safe to use to control acute pain, such as that following surgery. However, if the medications are used incorrectly, they can quickly become addictive and cause physical and mental issues.

Opioids travel through the blood to attach to the opioid receptors to muffle your perception of pain and ultimately boost pleasurable feelings. Unfortunately, this effect also makes them highly dangerous. While low doses of opioids can make you sleepy, higher doses can lead to slowed breathing and lowered heart rate, which can lead to death. While many opioids are prescriptions, heroin is manufactured by makers and dealers and is illegal for any type use. This does not mean it is any more or less dangerous than abused prescriptions just that it is made illegally.

Help for Opioid Addiction

There are many treatment options for opioid addiction. While in-patient treatment is always a first choice, there are other options. To begin with you should find a reputable doctor or facility to detox in slowly.  Detox from opioids can be life threatening if done cold turkey. Once the until detox is complete, a program, counseling, or group therapy should be sought after if not in an in-patient facility. This will allow you to learn the necessary tools to stay clean long term. This is often accomplished through behavioral therapy techniques over time.

Another option for dealing with opioid addiction is a medication known as Vivitrol. Vivitrol is an antagonist, also known as a blocking medication. This allows Vivitrol to reach opioid receptors, but does not allow for dopamine release. These are non-addictive and will not lead to physical dependence. This also means that Vivitrol can help prevent relapse for those with opioid dependence. To start using Vivitrol you must first be detoxed from opioids. However, once the detox is complete the medication works for a full month at a time.

Concerns with Vivitrol

There are some concerns in using Vivitrol if you have an opioid addiction. Accidental overdose is a concern. If you try to overcome the effects of the medication by taking large amounts of opioids, it can lead to injury, death, or coma. After you get the dose of Vivitrol, the blocking effect slowly wears off over time. If you go back to using opioids after the Vivitrol dose wears off and try using the same amount, it can lead to instant overdose or death. Additionally, you may be much more sensitive to opioids after the initial dose of Vivitrol.

Make sure that you are opioid free for 7 to 14 days prior to receiving an opioid dose and all street drugs. Including methadone, or rapid withdrawal may occur. While some doctors may choose to start Vivitrol in a medical facility, this must be done under supervision in a place where sudden withdrawal symptoms can be managed. Vivitrol may even cause liver damage and any symptoms should be reported for diagnosis.

If you choose to try Vivitrol know you should expect a monthly injection that will slowly lose effectiveness throughout the month. If this is an option you want to consider, contact a healthcare provider to see if you qualify. Your life is worth living addiction free, do what is necessary to make that happen.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Treatment For Opiate Addiction: One On One vs Group Therapy.

Treatment For Opiate Addiction: What are Opiates?

Opiates are drugs with morphine like effects that are derived from opium. Opiates are drugs such as heroin, codeine, morphine, Oxycodone or Oxycontin, Hydrocodone or Vicodin, and Dilaudid or Hydromorphone. Some of these drugs are prescriptions, however heroin is produced using the poppy plant. All are highly addictive, even the prescriptions when abused or used incorrectly. Though all opiates tend to have generic names, heroin has the most. Such as black tar, poppy, Al Capone, and brown crystal, among others. While the prescriptions are commonly used to manage pain, they can be injected, snorted, and ingested to create a high.

The Dangers of Heroin

Heroin is also highly addictive and derived from morphine. It’s used as a downer that has a depressant effect on the brain’s pleasure system. This masks the brain’s ability to perceive pain. Heroin can be used in various ways. Such as injected into a vein or muscle, mixed with other drugs and smoked, used in a water or standard pipe, and even snorted. The short term effects typically show up immediately and last for a few hours. The effects include a sudden burst of euphoria that then leads to a warm flushing of the skin, heaviness in the extremities, and dry mouth.

The user then enters a ‘nodding’ phase in which they alternate between a wakeful and drowsy state that leads to mental fog and depression of the central nervous system. The user may also have slowed or slurred speech, vomiting, constipation, drooping eyelids, and a slow gait. Night vision could also be effected negatively.

Chronic users can also develop heart infections, collapsed veins, liver diseases, abscesses, and even cellulitis. As the health of the chronic user gets worse, other problems such as pneumonia and other respiratory disorders can easily develop. When users try to stop using, withdrawal can start within hours and create a severe reaction.

Seeking Help: One On One vs Group Therapy

If you or someone you know has an opiate addiction, then you should know that help is available. If you are choosing to attend counseling, which is best used after initial detox in an in-patient facility, then there are two main options. Both one on one counseling and group therapy can be effective, as can a combination of the two. Each option with be described below.

The Benefits of One on One

One on one counseling is just what it sounds. It is you or your loved one seeing a counselor to help work through the issues related to drug abuse and use. It is likely that some aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, will be utilized to help you learn the tools necessary to get and stay clean over time. This may include the use of medication if other issues, such as depression and anxiety exist. The advantage of one on one therapy is that full attention is focused on you and your personal concerns. The therapist is wholly focused on what can be done to help with treatment for opiate addiction. 

The Benefits of Group Therapy

Group counseling is also an option that can be used alone or in conjunction with one on one therapy. The advantages of group therapy are the shared time with other clients and the sharing of similar circumstances. This is so you do not feel like you are alone in what is happening. Group therapy will apply many of the same techniques as one on one counseling, but in a more generalized manner. This way it applies to the addiction more than anyone specific in the group. If you are hesitant to share your current issues, then group therapy may be the best choice as you can learn from the experience of others. 

A combination of the two types of therapy may be the ultimate option. This way you can focus on personal issues in a private session, yet learn from others and feel more outside support during a group session. The key is to know that addiction is treatable.  Although, what works for one may not work for someone else. Give different styles of treatment for opiate addiction a chance before making a decision. That works best in your personal circumstances.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

How to Find the Best Treatment Center for Teens.

Teenage Addiction

Addiction is tough on the user and family members. This is especially true when the addict is a teenager. Unfortunately, teenagers are at great risk for drug and substance abuse. This is in part due to the availability of drugs and alcohol. It’s also because peer pressure has a strong effect on those of this age.

Teens who use drugs, even recreationally are at a much higher risk t becoming addicts as adults. Especially if no help is given to stop drug and substance abuse as soon as possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Teenage Addiction

There are many signs and symptoms to look out for if you suspect that your teen or one you care about is possibly using. However, before a problem even exists it is important to discuss the dangers of drug and substance use with your teen. Setting a good example is a strong tool in fighting against addiction. You may wish to share that teen drug abuse can have long term behavioral and cognitive effects. As a teens brain is still developing.

Many of these issues are irreversible. As almost half of all new drug users are under the age of 18. It is also important to know that experimentation plays the biggest role in teen drug use. This is in part due to peer pressure. It’s also due to curiosity, stress, a desire to escape reality, and even emotional struggles. The majority of adult users actually started before they were 21 years of age.

Some of the most common signs of drug and substance abuse in teens can include bad or dropping grades, bloodshot eyes, and even laughing for no reason. You may also see a loss in interest in activities that were once very important. Poor hygiene with a diminished personal appearance, and unusual tiredness.

Many teens will also avoid eye contact, have frequent hunger, smell like smoke, and have an increase in secretive behavior. While many of these behaviors are typical of all teenagers, it’s important to have a discussion with your teen about possible drug use. If you are still concerned, then drug tests are available by a doctor or over the counter. The key is to approach the topic with concern and caring, without overreacting as this can cause the teen to deny a problem or even use more.  If drug use is discovered, then seek help before a bigger problem and further use occurs.

Treatment Center for Teens: Help for Teens

If your teen has a drug or substance abuse problem, there are treatment center for teens available. An in-patient facility is probably best, but out-patient programs also exist. Facilities exist that only work with those under 18 years of age, or in some cases under 21 years of age.

These facilities will likely use talk therapy, possibly medication therapy, and behavioral therapy to help your teen confront and overcome addiction. Additionally, one on one counseling can help with a teen who is just starting to use and can be effective after in-patient treatment to help stay the course. 

There are also drug abuse hotlines that will offer help for your teen with referrals if necessary. Another option is a teen boot camp type setting that will offer structure and discipline to your teen. The thing to remember is that even with treatment teens have a high rate of relapse. They will need continued support to get and stay clean.

Your teen is worth help and many options are available. If you suspect a problem then talk with your teen right away so any further damage can be prevented. You have a duty as a parent to offer help and support for your adolescent with all the options that are available. You can contact our staff today to help give you advice with choosing a treatment center for teens.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.