WATERLOO/ WELLINGTON – During the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented number of people have been struggling with problems like worry, low mood, problematic substance use and more.
Many people think substance use disorders happen only to teens and younger adults. Problems arise when a person uses substances even though it causes harm to themselves or others.
Moderate to severe substance use disorder is sometimes called dependence.
When most people think of someone with a substance use disorder, an older adult does not immediately come to mind.
When an older adult suffers a fall or experiences declining physical or mental health, we are quick to assume it’s the result of “getting older” and might not consider the possibility of substance use as a contributing factor.
While alcohol consumption can have physical and psychological benefits for older adults, it can also create danger by: causing or complicating medical conditions such as memory loss, liver damage, diabetes, heart or blood pressure problems and stomach problems like ulcers; producing unsafe medication interactions; and increasing falls, confusion, depression and premature mortality.
Things that can influence alcohol use among older adults include changing life roles such as retirement, loss of family and friends, and mental or physical decline. Insomnia, family history of substance abuse and having a mental illness such as depression or anxiety can also make older adults vulnerable to alcohol use.
Health risks associated with drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol can be enjoyable, but there are some health risks linked to drinking alcohol, many of which are more pronounced in older adults due to normal changes our bodies experience while aging.
For instance, alcohol can:
-increase the risk of low blood sugar if you have diabetes;
-impact your balance and muscle coordination;
-weaken your immune system;
-interfere with medications you take;
-increase your blood pressure; and,
-affect your memory, mood, and brain health.
Adopt safer drinking behaviours
-have a glass of water or juice in between alcoholic drinks;
-eat before you have a drink, or drink alcohol with a meal;
-pace yourself, allow at least an hour between drinks;
-have at least two days each week when you don’t consume alcohol;
-understand your drinking patterns; changing routines can make it easier to cut down; and
-think about why you drink and start to deal with any reasons behind excessive drinking.
If alcohol use has been affecting your everyday life, talk with someone you trust or a healthcare professional about alcohol dependency concerns.
Know that you are not alone and that your family physician will not be shocked when you share the amount you may be drinking each week. The first step to tackling any problem is acknowledging it yourself.
It may seem daunting to change habits of a lifetime but with support it can be done. Reach out if you or someone you care about needs help.
Access free mental health and substance use support: Wellness Together Canada is a platform for Canadians funded by the government of Canada. Call 1-866-585-0445
Information on substance use and recovery: 24/7 for services in Waterloo Region and Wellington County at 1-844-437-3247 or (519) 821-3582
Contact Addiction Services at the House of Friendship by calling Fiona at (519) 742-8327, ext. 221
Where can I get outpatient treatment and recovery support?
Contact Homewood Community Addiction Services (CADS) at (519) 836-5733, ext. 32396.
Who can help me if I want to reduce the amount I drink?
Contact Community Withdrawal Support Service at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community: 1-844-722-2977.
Submitted by the Older Adult Substance Use Working Group of the Waterloo Wellington Older Adults Strategy.
