Elderly are More at Risk for Opioid Deaths

The news is flooded with incidents and warnings about prescription drug abuse amongst teenagers and young adults, but the toll that the drugs are taking on the elderly is not often reported. The elderly population experiences many different varieties of pain and recuperation from surgical procedures that warrant the use of narcotic painkillers. However, despite these acceptable reasons for prescription narcotics, many physicians are not adequately explaining the side effects and potential for abuse that come along with medications like OxyContin or Percocet.

“More Americans overdose on prescription painkillers than on heroin and cocaine combined. Yet, these medications are marketed as the Cadillac option for treating pain. I doctors and their patients understand the risks and side effects, they can discuss safer, more effective options,” explained Deborah A.P. Hersman, President and CEO of the National Safety Council.

The Council recently released a paper discussing the dangers of prescription painkillers and their side effects compared to over-the-counter drugs. They found that older adults are four times more likely to have broken a bone while under the influence of narcotic painkillers. Additionally, 68 percent of older adults who take prescription painkillers are more likely to be hospitalized due to their use of the medications, and they are 87 percent more likely to die from taking them.

One of the arguments for prescribing narcotic painkillers to the elderly is that these pills are believed to be easier and safer on the digestive system than over the counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the National Safety Council found that adults who are prescribed pills like Vicodin or Opana are just as likely to experience stomach problems.

While it is clear that adults who are over the age of 65 are more likely to experience health problems and issues that bring on pain, experts urge doctors to explore all methods of relief rather than relying on narcotic painkillers to take care of the issues. Patients who change their diet, exercise more and explore physical or occupational therapies may be able to get over their injuries and pain faster and without the physical dangers of those that rely on narcotic painkillers.

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”