Opioid Overdose - Not Just For The Young

If you are a caregiver or medical professional, you may think that opioid misuse in seniors is not some thing you have to think about. However, you would be mistaken. According to the CDC, between 2000 and 2019, age-adjusted rates of drug overdose deaths for adults aged 65 and over increased from 2.4 to 8.8 deaths per 100,000. And the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl increased by 53% between 2019 and 2020.

Opioids are powerful pain medications which, when used properly, can be beneficial. But they are highly addictive and can be abused. The misuse of opioids in seniors can lead to addiction and overdose. In addition, the risk of overdose increases with age. Seniors may be more likely to experience an overdose due to age-related changes in body composition and metabolism, as well as other health issues. Seniors with cancer, arthritis, sleep apnea or COPD can be especially vulnerable.

In order to prevent opioid overdose among seniors, it’s important to understand the potential risks and take precautions. If you are a caregiver, or provide in-home, meal-delivery or housekeeping services, you should be aware of these potential issues and how to recognize the signs of drug misuse like confusion, falls, and asking for medication too often or off-cycle.

If you take opioids to manage your pain, here are some steps you can take:

*Talk to your doctor about your pain levels and other medications you are taking. Make sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any medications that contain opioids, such as codeine or oxycodone.

*Always take your opioid medications exactly as prescribed. Never take more than the recommended dose.

*Be aware of the signs of an opioid overdose, such as slow or shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, and blue-tinged lips or nails.

*If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

*Talk to your family and friends about the dangers of opioid use and abuse.

*Take a class about the dangers and symptoms of opioid abuse and learn how to reverse the overdose using naloxone.

By taking these steps, you can help to reduce your risk of an opioid overdose. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, there are resources available to help. Ready Habits LLC provides education and naloxone support to families and caregivers. Give us a call at 317-399-9905 to learn more.

Deborah Miller | deb@deborahcmiller.com | Ready Habits, LLC