Opioids and benzodiazepines are prescription drugs known to carry a high risk for dependence. Now, a recent study suggests that misuse of these medications may also lead to suicidal thoughts in older adults. Opioids and benzos are commonly used to treat pain and anxiety respectively, but some decide to misuse these medications for other reasons. Getting help for prescription drug misuse at drug rehab can reduce the dangerous risks associated with dependence and suicidal ideation.
Suicide Rates Among Older Adults
Suicide rates among older adults are rising at an alarming rate, especially among older men. Men aged 85 and older have the highest suicide rate, with nearly 55 out of every 100,000 individuals in this age group taking their own lives. And while suicide is often seen as a tragedy that affects younger generations, older adults face unique risks due to life changes, physical health decline, and, notably, substance misuse.
In recent years, the connection between opioid and benzodiazepine misuse and suicidal ideation in older adults has become a growing concern. The misuse of prescription drugs, which are commonly used to manage pain and anxiety, has been directly linked to an increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts, particularly when combined with the deep emotional toll of aging.
The Emotional Struggles Behind Opioid Misuse
Substance misuse in older adults doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s often the result of mental health challenges like depression and anxiety that build over time, compounded by life changes such as chronic pain, loss of independence, or isolation. For many older individuals, these emotional struggles are linked to the growing challenges of aging, including the decline of physical health and cognitive function.
Factors such as financial strain, the grief of losing a loved one, or the emotional burden of caregiving can intensify feelings of helplessness, pushing some individuals to seek solace in prescription medications, often in dangerous ways. It’s not uncommon for people to turn to opioids to numb persistent pain or benzodiazepines to manage overwhelming anxiety. But these substances, when misused, can trigger a dangerous downward spiral that includes heightened suicidal thoughts and actions.
What is Defined as Prescription Drug Misuse?
An estimated 54 million people in the U.S. have used prescription medications for non-medical reasons at least once in their lifetime. Prescription drug misuse is defined as using medication in ways or doses other than prescribed, such as using medications prescribed to someone else, using medications to experience euphoria and get high, and crushing or dissolving pills so they can be snorted, smoked, or injected. Misusing prescription drugs can have dangerous consequences and side effects such as sedation, increased body temperature, and overdose.
Why Do People Misuse Prescription Drugs?
People misuse prescription drugs for many different reasons, such as to achieve better pain relief, fall asleep more easily, get high, or relieve symptoms of mental illness like anxiety and depression. Sometimes, prescription drug misuse is completely accidental, such as when older adults misinterpret bottle labels or are unable to clearly read the instructions on their medications. Misusing prescription drugs can cause people to become tolerant to these drugs, increasing the risk for dependence and addiction. Prescription drug addiction can be safely treated at drug and alcohol rehab centers like America’s Rehab Campuses.
How Drug Rehab Treats Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug dependence can be treated using drug and alcohol detox, while addiction can be treated using behavioral therapies at drug rehab. Patients normally go through drug detox first before transitioning to an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment.
Opioid detox usually involves the use of medications like methadone or buprenorphine that reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. People dependent on opioids can use these medications for as long as needed until they are fully tapered off and no longer opioid-dependent.
Benzodiazepine detox is safest when performed on a tapering schedule. This means patients work with their doctors to gradually and slowly reduce their benzo doses until they’re no longer dependent on their medication.
Suicide Prevention and Treatment Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or substance misuse, help is available. National hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer immediate, confidential support. Additionally, taking action to learn about suicide prevention through programs like QPR Training, which teaches people to Question, Persuade, and Refer individuals at risk of suicide, can save lives.
At America’s Rehab Campuses, we also offer comprehensive treatment programs tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults dealing with substance use disorders and mental health issues. Our team is here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our safe, proven treatments that can be customized to help you or a loved one overcome drug dependence.
