Prescription Drug Addiction Among Seniors

When we think of seniors and prescription drugs, we usually think of cost as the biggest problem. But some seniors are fighting another big problem -- addiction.

The Eye on Health team spoke with a local addiction expert and a senior who shares her own story of a downward spiral into drug abuse.

Dottie is among some 15-percent of Las Vegas seniors who've become addicted to prescription drugs. Dottie was hooked on two major painkillers: oxycontin and morphine. It began after she had surgery for osteoarthritis and went downhill from there.

Dottie said, "I laid on the bedroom floor for two straight weeks. And every nerve ending in my body was going crazy."

Dottie's family staged an intervention and got her some help. Dottie says it saved her life.

At the Las Vegas Recovery Center, Dr. Mel Pohl says there's been a significant rise in the number of seniors facing addiction, mostly to painkillers and anti-depressants. An older person's vulnerability to injury and depression can lead to a downward spiral.

Dr. Pohl, addiction specialist, says, "They have an operation and they're put on pain medication and they just stay on it. Not really realizing it's becoming a problem for them."

And other people can be affected by this growing problem. "And I will tell you that I'm sure there are a lot of seniors out there who are on narcotics and are driving cars. I was not allowed to do it. My family took my car. But in my addiction, I accused them of stealing it. I did some really bad things and I alienated my family," said Dottie.

After a senior acknowledges there's a problem, detox is usually the first step toward recovery. And it's a step that can be difficult and even dangerous.

Dr. Pohl says, "If somebody is using a pill or alcohol on a regular basis, it's dangerous to separate them. And certainly in the elderly, if they've been using for a period of time, there can be health consequences."

Dottie adds, "I was sick. I cried. I shook. I couldn't even stand up. And, I had a stroke, trying to come off of morphine by myself."

Dottie still deals with pain but now opts for Motrin and an occasional epidural. Her recovery from drug addiction has led to a new perspective on everyday human emotions. "Even when it's sad, it's a joy to know that you can feel it. And not have to mask the feeling with narcotics," she explains.

Dr. Mel Pohl comments, "A lot of the elderly people that we see in treatment come to us saying, 'I don't like the way my life is going because of these medications. I want off.'"

Along with prescription drugs, Dr. Pohl says that alcohol addiction is also becoming more common among seniors along with a combination of the two.

by Paula Francis, Anchor