Seniors and Drug Abuse

ByJulia McCartney

As we age, there will be times when we have to take medicine for various reasons. Usually, this is no big deal. However, there is a growing problem among senior citizens and drug abuse. You are probably wondering how a senior would abuse a drug. First, I should clarify. We are talking about the problems when it comes to prescription drugs, not the other kind found on the streets. Statistics are projecting that there is a growing problem among senior citizens and abuse of their prescription drugs. Currently, it is projected that this abuse will triple and that seniors will be on more than 6 different types of medications throughout a year. It is important that we learn the signs of abuse and ways to stop it from occurring. This article will take a look at how you can identify the problem and even ways to stop it before it happens. By watching after your loved ones you can help make sure that they never experience this growing problem.

First, let us look at the ways in which you can identify the signs of drug abuse in your loved ones. As we age, we tend to lose our balance. However if you are noticing frequent falling or loss of balance this could be a sign. Along with frequent falling, another sign is memory loss. Things like misplacing items or forgetting where they are. Still these signs could be easy to miss if you are not around every day. There are things that seniors can do that could be a little more noticeable. If they are having trouble getting out of bed or taking care of their personal appearance then you should talk to them about their growing problems.

Now that you are able to identify the signs of abuse, there are other things that you can do to make sure the abuse does not happen in the first place. Be involved in senior's doctor appointments and be made aware of any medications that they are on. Question the need for any medications that they are given and always make sure to inform the doctor of other medications they might be on. Also, do not assume that just because the doctor is saying that the medication is okay, that it is. There have been many cases in which a doctor will push a medication onto a patient because it is in their best interest to write as many prescriptions for that drug.

Obviously, drug abuse is not always going to happen, but it is important that you be aware of it and talk to the senior in your life about your concerns. Ask them if they need your help or maybe look into the different senior care options that are available for them. The most import thing is to be able to have an open dialogue about your concerns and theirs so that you and the senior in your life can reach a decision about their senior care that works for everyone. By being involved and asking questions you are one step closer to taking care of the loved one in your life.

Julia McCartney
Senior Care with Pill Boxes
Senior Care Options

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MLA Style Citation:
McCartney, Julia".".30 Mar. 2012EzineArticles.com.8 Apr. 2012 .APA Style Citation:
McCartney, J. (2012, March 30). . Retrieved April 8, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Seniors-and-Drug-Abuse&id=6973143Chicago Style Citation:
McCartney, Julia "." EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Seniors-and-Drug-Abuse&id=6973143EzineArticles.com© 2012 EzineArticles.com
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