Linden Addiction Treatment Centers

Linden, New Jersey, residents should be aware that substance abuse affects many people in and around their city. During 2016 in Union County, where Linden is located, more than 3,143 people were admitted to substance abuse treatment for drug or alcohol use.¹ More than 9% of them were older than 55.¹

While substance abuse and misuse can affect a person at any age, it’s important to understand the implications for older adults. As you age and use medications for various conditions, you may be more susceptible to the effects of alcohol as an older adult.² Additionally, some people may mistake alcohol and drug problems in older adults for age-associated conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, making it more difficult to accurately diagnose a substance use disorder.

Knowing what to look for can help family members of older adults determine if their loved one has a problem with prescription medications, alcohol, or other substances. Symptoms of prescription medication or alcohol abuse in older adults may include:²

• Constant irritability.
• Blackouts or seizures.
• Trouble concentrating or memory problem.
• Difficulty walking or frequent falls.
• Unexplained bruising.
• Mood changes.
• Poor hygiene.
• Shakes or tremors.
• Sleep problems.
• Forgetting to pay bills.
• Confusion.
• Slurred speech.
• Frequent car accidents.
• Drinking in spite of it making certain medical conditions worse.
• Bladder and bowel incontinence.

Many medical conditions can cause these symptoms in older adults. Therefore, you must talk with your loved one’s physician or contact a substance abuse professional for an evaluation. Feel free to browse our directory of Linden, New Jersey, rehabs to find one near you.

Sources

1. Department of Human Services: Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
   Office of Planning, Research, Evaluation and Prevention. (2017). New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Substance Abuse Overview 2016 Union County.
2. SAMHSA. (2017). Get Connected: Linking Older Adults with Resources On Medication, Alcohol, And Mental Health.