Retirement and Addiction: Why Seniors May Struggle with Substance Abuse

The extra day off for Labor Day is a well-deserved validation for many people in the United States. Many of us can’t wait for the day when we can work less and spend more time enriching our passions and hobbies. For some, that may look like retiring to the sunshine state of Florida or spending more time traveling. However, an emerging number of retirees are misusing drugs and alcohol. As of 2018, roughly 1 million adults 65 and older have a substance use disorder (SUD).¹

Alcohol and Drug Misuse Among Older Americans

Transitional life changes can be a time of stress and anxiety for many people. For the elderly, health issues, the death of a spouse or close friends, and retirement can contribute to alcohol and drug misuse.² Adults 65 and older experience stressors that can impact their substance use, mental health, and other quality of life factors.

Triggering Issues That May Arise After Retiring

Stress at any age can be a factor for substance use. Stressors specific to adults ages 65 and older may include:²

• Retirement or job loss.
• Financial strain or insecurity.
• Grief and bereavement due to the death of loved ones.
• Being a victim of theft.
• Housing transitions.
• Physical health problems.

While retirement can be a welcome change, it can also contribute to feelings of insecurity and lack of purpose. Studies suggest that work symbolizes status and strengthens personal identity, and mental health can be negatively impacted when work ends.³

Additionally, elderly people are at an increased risk of experiencing chronic physical pain, and as a result, 4%–9% of people 65 and older are prescribed opioid pain medication.¹   It is widely known that opioids are highly addictive. The use of heroin in the older population more than doubled between 2013–2015 because heroin is cheaper than prescription opioid medication. ¹ 

Signs of Substance Abuse

Knowing the signs of substance misuse can help to identify a possible problem with addiction. Signs may include:⁴

• The substance is taken in larger amounts and for a longer period of time than intended.
• Attempts at cutting down or controlling substance use with no success.
• Much time is spent getting, using, and recovering from substance use.
• A significant desire to use the substance, also known as a craving.
• Continuing to use substances despite experiencing interpersonal and social problems because of use.
• Significant occupational, social, and recreational obligations are abandoned or reduced due to substance use.
• Continuing to use substances in physically dangerous situations.

Another risk factor resulting from substance use in the elderly is falls and injuries. Drugs and alcohol impact your decision-making, judgment, reaction time, and coordination, which can result in car accidents and falls.¹ Accidents and injuries are a bigger threat to the health of the elderly than they are to younger people, and recovery from such things may be longer and more painful.¹

Healthy Choices for Seniors Citizens

It can be beneficial for senior citizens to identify healthy activities that are substance-free, enriching, and generate a sense of purpose, such as: ^2,3

• Volunteering
• Taking an exercise class
• Joining a social or self-help group.
• Talking to a therapist.

Working a part-time job or learning a new hobby are additional options for the elderly. Social isolation can be a major risk factor for substance use in the elderly and contribute to feelings of loneliness and shame.² Strengthening social engagements and the social support system can improve the quality of life and sense of well-being of the elderly.²

If you are struggling with addiction and looking for rehab near Miami, River Oaks Treatment Center offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment for people who are 65 and older and are struggling with age-specific mental health and SUDs.