Watch for Signs of Drug Dependency in Seniors

Most people look forward to the golden years, but after age 75 many medical issues arise that can compromise quality of life, says Mike Menefee, Ph.D., director of Outpatient Services at Mills-Peninsula’s Behavioral Health Services Center.

“Joint and back pain is especially prevalent among seniors,” he says. In fact, the National Institutes of Health report about half of older Americans living on their own have chronic pain. To manage this pain, many older Americans use opiates, Dr. Menefee says.

“Taken over time, they can develop a tolerance for the medication, so either their dosage has to increase or they have to stop taking the medication, go through withdrawal and start a new opiate.”

In a recent story on the Mills-Peninsula Health blog, Dr. Menafee is interviewed about dependency versus addiction. He describes the risk factors for addiction that many people face as they age, as well as the danger signs for substance abuse.

Dr. Menefee also offers advice on “Helping Seniors Help Themselves,” finding a way to overcome the social isolation – staying connected and active. Mills-Peninsula also offers senior behavioral health services to help manage depression and recover from substance abuse. The program meets two to four days per week for four hours, with lunch provided.

Dr. Menefee says, “We reconnect people to volunteer services and senior centers, and we help them form new bonds with peers. It’s been very successful for a lot of seniors.”

For more information on Mills-Peninsula’s senior behavioral health services, call 650-696-4666.