What addiction treatment options are available to seniors in Winnipeg, Manitoba?
Addiction Among Seniors Goes Underestimated
I have always been interested in exploring and advocating for the effect addiction has on high-risk populations. In my experience as an addictions counsellor, I noticed many aging parents of my adult participants also had issues with substance use, yet were not interested in getting help.
Unfortunately, substance use disorders among seniors is often underestimated and underdiagnosed. Addiction among our aging population may not be as visible as they are with younger people. The tell-tale signs of addiction can easily be disguised by the natural process of aging. Diabetes, depression and dementia can also mimic symptoms of addiction, contributing to what has been aptly termed the “hidden epidemic” by healthcare professionals.
Older adults face unique risks regarding addiction and rarely seek help, compared to younger individuals.
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder involving continued use despite harmful consequences. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. However, it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the medical field acknowledged addiction as a biological condition. Previously, and throughout history, society has shamed people for being addicted. Society’s attitude toward addiction was moralistic – they chose to be addicted, chose to continue and are deserving of punishment or ridicule. It’s no surprise that many older individuals feel immense shame when struggling with substance use. A feeling often shared by their adult children, who refuse to address the problem.
Seniors also have limited interaction with addiction supports, compounded with feelings of shame, they hide their addiction in isolation.
I had the pleasure of sitting down and interviewing a participant from a group I facilitate for men in sobriety. Neil has seen great success in his sobriety but reflected on a time he struggled to define what an alcoholic was.
“My doctor began urging me to stop drinking immediately,” says Neil, 67. “My health was deteriorating. I reached out to various addiction resources but wasn’t sure I needed it. I had never considered myself an alcoholic.”
Addiction is a family problem. Unfortunately, shame and stigma prevent families from talking about the problem openly, or if they do, they focus on ways to “fix” the addicted member.
“My family knew I had a problem, but we didn’t talk about it. I didn’t feel I displayed the behavior of what I thought an alcoholic to be. I never went to work intoxicated. I fulfilled my responsibilities. These were all rationalizations” Neil admits.
Neil’s sobriety is now celebrated with his close family. He shares recovery literature with his brother and is greatly supported by his wife and daughter.
Addiction Risk Factors in Seniors
Studies have shown baby-boomer adults, those born between the late 1940s to mid-1960s, abuse alcohol and prescription medication at a rate higher than the previous generation did. Baby boomers typically have more tolerant attitudes towards substances, and during their lifetime have had increased access to prescription medication.
Various factors that place an older individual at risk for addiction include: grief, reduction of social supports, economic instability and failing health, retirement and loss of purpose, as well as physical changes in the body. Conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety and depression also predispose seniors to substance use disorders.
“My drinking increased when my daughter left home to attend university” recalls Neil.
“Then it really escalated when I retired. My wife is still working and I’m at home. I was left with so much free time. Looking back, my drinking always increased when I was alone.”
Neil has participated in a men’s continuing recovery program for over a year. He enjoys the sense of purpose it has given him. Neil attends group sessions three times a week, as well as a fitness class and is enjoying the longest period of sobriety in his life!
“Everyone in the group plays a role. It provides accountability and a sense of community”, Neil describes. “It wasn’t enough to just go to rehab. I needed ongoing support.”
Prevention and Intervention
We must invest more effort into educating the general population on the effects of aging in combination with psychoactive substances. Screening for alcohol use disorders can be applied in various settings such as primary care and emergency services.
We must also make treatment inviting and accessible to seniors.
“Attending the men’s group has given me an entirely new perspective on addiction. I see young men being honest with themselves about their problem. I wish I had been that honest with myself a lot sooner” Neil explains. “It’s a diverse group. And although our stories may be different, the emotions are the same. We are all here for the same reason.”
Men’s Continuing Recovery is designed for male-identifying participants who are at least a full month sober from drugs and alcohol. This psychoeducational group is geared towards men who have completed residential treatment.
The program takes a gendered approach to recovery. Group modules written specifically for men include: relapse prevention, anger management, grief, healthy relationships, as well as rigid gender roles.
Group counselling has proved to be the most effective way of treating substance use disorders. Recovery groups reduce the stigma of addictions within the community, as participants come to understand they are not alone. They engage in vicarious learning, experience a sense of catharsis, and achieve a sense of hope.
If you are interested in accessing individual or group counselling for addictions in Winnipeg, Manitoba, please click here to register!
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