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Regional
Prevention
Center
S.P.I.C.E. Senior
Prevention
Intervention
Counseling Education
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S.P.I.C.E. Program
 Senior Prevention, Intervention, Counseling
Education (S.P.I.C.E.)
- is a program for assisting older adults and caregivers coping with
substance abuse or mismanagement of medications. A speaker's bureau composed of volunteers with various
interests and from many professions is available to speak to
individuals or groups throughout the Shawnee County area.
Presentations include such topics
as:
- retirement and the increased
risk of
substance abuse
- interactions of medications
- identification, intervention, and referral for treatment
for substance abuse in older
adults
- medication mismanagement
- depression and suicide among the elderly
- psychological perspective on aging
- and other related topics.
In addition to presentations, educational materials
are also available to health care professionals seeking accurate
information on substance abuse and medication misuse among the elderly.
Four educational video presentations are also available for check-out. They
are titled:
- Identifying the Problem
- Aging's Impact on Medication
- Community Resource and Support for Seniors.
- Looking Forward to Tomorrow: Medical Aspects of Seniors and
Substances
Each video is approximately 25 minutes
long.
Contact
Carol Spiker for more information at 266-8666
PARS is committed to our community where people of all ages are safe
The Older Adult &
SUBSTANCE ABUSE - In recent years those in the alcohol, drug addiction, and medical professions have become
increasingly aware of the magnitude and seriousness of the alcohol and prescription drug abuse problems among
older adults.
In Kansas, 17% of older adults are substance abusers and 25% of those over 55 are at risk for becoming a substance abuser. Of the 69% of persons over the age of 60 that use over-the-counter medications, 80% also use alcohol.*
Sixty percent of older adults are daily drinkers and 15% reported drinking four or more drinks daily. It is estimated that 70% of older adults in hospitals or other health care facilities
demonstrate evidence of illness or other serious consequences of alcohol abuse.**
* Kansas Department On Aging, 1999
** Kansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services report,
"Addiction among the elderly," 1995
As those who work and socialize with the aging population become more knowledgeable about the warning signs of addictions and intervention techniques, they will be better able to encourage these affected individuals to seek appropriate help.
Some of the more common signs of dependence in older adults include: neglecting their appearance, injuring themselves while under the influence of alcohol, becoming defensive or aggressive, having more difficulty than usual
remembering things, experiencing depression, fatigue, weight loss or going to different physicians
to obtain tranquilizers or sleeping medication.
As a Care Provider, Take an Active Role
- Be aware that age-related stresses put an older adult at risk for increased alcohol consumption.
- Know whom to contact to provide support if you suspect a problem.
- Learn to recognize the differences between age related and substance abuse functioning.
- Understand that prescription or non-prescription drug interaction may cause serious, and sometimes fatal, health conditions.
- Know that alcohol can exacerbate negative effects of medications.
Medication Misuse and Alcohol Dependency in the Older Adult -
Are more common than one might think. Recreational drugs such as marijuana,
methamphetamine, cocaine, etc., may cause health complications and could
also result in a dependency problem. In addition, if a person obtains prescriptions from multiple physicians, adverse interactions may occur.
Isolation, loneliness and/or depression from losses such as a spouse, friends, home or health
make an older adult vulnerable to chemical dependency - especially alcohol, tranquilizers and sleep medications.
Warning Signs of Abuse*
- Increased use of medicine, tobacco, or alcohol
- Memory loss or confusion
- Gradual withdrawal from relationships
- Isolation
- Depression
- Irregular eating habits
- Sleep problems
- Frequent falls and declining health
*These warning signs may also be symptoms related to maladies other than substance abuse (e.g. depression, dementia, health, or
the aging process).
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Medication
Precautions
DO - Tell your doctors about all the medicines you are taking including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
DO - Be sure you understand all instructions before starting to use a drug - including when to take it, with what, how long to continue, side effects and what to do if problems occur.
DO - Call your doctor if you notice any new symptoms or side effects.
DO - Keep a record of all drugs to which you are sensitive or allergic.
DON'T - Take more - or less - than the prescribed amount of any drug.
DON'T - Stop taking a drug suddenly without checking with your doctor - even if you feel better.
DON'T - Mix alcohol and medication.
DON'T - Take drugs prescribed for someone else or give yours to someone else.
DON'T - Transfer a drug from its original bottle to another.
DON'T - Keep old or expired medicines in your medicine cabinet.
Did You Know? . . .
Alcohol is the drug of choice for older Americans.
Tranquilizers (especially Valium) are the second drugs of choice for older adults.
Alcohol related problems put more older Americans in the hospital than heart attacks.
When people age, their metabolism slows down and alcohol and other drugs remain in the body longer. This results in an increased risk of overdose.
Three beers consumed by a 70 year old is equivalent to 12 beers consumed by a 21 year old.
Researchers have found that older people actually respond better to treatment for alcoholism than do younger drinkers.
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