Pubdate: Fri, 08 May 1998
Source: Contra Costa Times (CA) 
Contact:  
Website: http://www.hotcoco.com/index.htm
Author: Natalie Hopkinson, Cox News Service

SENIOR DRUG ABUSE CALLED AN EPIDEMIC

WASHINGTON -- Substance abuse among the elderly is an "invisible epidemic"
that now affects 17 percent of adults over 60, a government study reported
Thursday.

Researchers at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
found that seniors often begin abusing alcohol and prescription drugs later
in life and frequently go undetected.

"Many health-care providers don't ask about alcohol abuse if it wasn't a
problem in the early years," said Nelba Chavez, the agency's administrator.
"But many older Americans turn to alcohol for comfort, and they may not be
aware of the effects on their quality of life."

The researchers said the 1 million alcoholics older than 60 and countless
other seniors who abuse legal drugs put themselves at risk of physical
complications because they often take several prescription medications, and
because aging makes the body more vulnerable to drugs' effects.

Caregivers often assume that older patients who complain of confusion, falls
and insomnia suffer from normal signs of aging instead of symptoms of
substance abuse, the report said.

It said that about one-third of elderly alcoholics -- 29 percent of males
and 52 percent of females -- first experienced symptoms between the ages of
60 and 79.

These older drinkers often turn to alcohol following major life changes such
as retirement, divorce, or the death of a spouse or even a pet.

Drinking a couple of beers each day may be suitable for younger adults, said
Frederick Charles Blow, author of the study. But as bodies age and older
adults begin taking several different prescription drugs, such drinking
levels can prove harmful.

And with baby boomers soon expanding the elderly population, the problem is
expected to spread to marijuana and other illicit drugs, Blow said.

The report had the following recommendations for older adults, caregivers
and family members who suspect drug or alcohol abuse:

Elderly males should limit themselves to a maximum of seven drinks per week
and no more than two drinks on any one occasion. The report said women
should consume slightly less than that.

Every 60-year-old should be screened for alcohol and drug abuse as part of
his or her regular physical examination. Anyone who is concerned about an
older adult's drinking or drug consumption should ask direct questions about
their habits.

"Relatives are embarrassed to talk about the fact that their relative has
developed a drinking problem. How do I approach my parent? How do I approach
my grandmother? How do I tell her I think she's been drinking too much?"
Chavez said.

- ---
Checked-by: Melodi Cornett