Opioid use disorder in older adults refers to a pattern of problematic opioid use among the senior population. Due to age-related factors, treating opioid dependence and addiction in older adults comes with distinct challenges. Therefore, it requires specialized treatment that traditional methods rarely, if ever, offer.
This article will discuss the key things you should know about opioid use disorder in older adults and explain why ANR is the safest, most effective opioid dependency treatment for the geriatric population.
What Is Opioid Use Disorder in Older Adults?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) in older adults is a treatable medical condition characterized by persistent opioid use among people aged 60 and above.
The prevalence of prescription opioid use is particularly high among older adults, with more than 15% of Americans above the age of 60 using at least one opioid medication. While opioid use is generally more common among women than men, its rates increase with age in both male and female populations.
Opioids are potent analgesics prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain that cannot be controlled with non-opioid pain relievers. Although very effective, they lead to tolerance and physical dependence when taken for a prolonged time.
Opioid-dependent people struggle with drug discontinuation due to distressing opioid withdrawal symptoms, such as fever, insomnia, cravings, and body aches. If left untreated, opioid dependence can lead to OUD, also known as opioid addiction.
Due to age-related physiological changes, opioids can affect seniors differently than younger individuals, as the former tend to be more sensitive to these drugs. Changes in organ function can affect the metabolism, distribution, and elimination of opioids. They may also increase the risk of adverse events, such as severe sedation, which may lead to falls and injuries.
Why Are Older Adults at Risk of Developing OUD?
Older adults are at risk of developing OUD because they are more likely to suffer from pain and take multiple medications. Age-related conditions, such as cognitive decline, can also increase the risk of opioid use disorder in older adults.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:
- Pain. According to Dr. Pat Schofield from the University of Aberdeen, 73% to 80% of older adults report suffering from pain. The rates of chronic pain also increase with age. Even though using opioids for chronic pain is neither safe nor effective, some healthcare providers still prescribe them for arthritis, neuropathy, and other conditions that are especially prevalent among the geriatric population.
- Multiple drug use. Older adults often struggle with other conditions besides pain that require medications, such as heart disease. Some of these may interact with opioids, amplifying their effects and making it more difficult for the body to metabolize them. Notably, multiple drug use increases the risk of not only opioid use disorder but also adverse events, including side effects and organ damage.
- Cognitive impairment. A study by Jennifer J. Manly et al. found that nearly one-third of elderly Americans suffer from mild cognitive impairment. Conditions that impair cognition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, can interfere with your ability to follow the doctor’s instructions while taking medications. This can inadvertently lead to opioid misuse, which significantly increases the risk of opioid use disorder in seniors with impaired cognitive function.
OUD is particularly prevalent in veterans. Unfortunately, opioid use among veterans is widespread, primarily because they are even more likely to suffer from pain than the general population.
3 Challenges of Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Older Adults
Treating opioid use disorder in older adults comes with distinct physical, mental, and social challenges that other age groups do not typically encounter.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of these challenges:
#1. Physical Challenges
Physical challenges, such as co-occurring health conditions and mobility limitations, can interfere with OUD treatment in aging populations.
Traditional opioid dependence treatments do not cure opioid dependence—they only treat its symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), for example, essentially substitutes one opioid with another to prevent withdrawals.
Since older adults are more sensitive to opioids, taking opioid-replacement drugs can put them at a higher risk of adverse events, including side effects and opioid toxicity. Furthermore, such drugs may interact with medications taken for other conditions, such as insomnia or high blood pressure.
Worse yet, getting off MAT medications can be virtually impossible for older adults, as they cause withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Opioid withdrawal can take a massive toll on the physical and mental well-being of young adults, let alone seniors.
Plus, older adults may struggle to access treatment facilities due to mobility problems, hearing or vision loss, and other limitations. This can make it challenging for them to undergo outpatient rehab, attend counseling sessions, and so forth, increasing the risk of dropping out of treatment.
#2. Cognitive and Mental Health Issues
Cognitive and mental health issues can significantly complicate the treatment of opioid use disorder in older adults. Those with impaired cognitive or mental health may not recognize that they need help for OUD, refuse to get treatment, or struggle to understand complex treatment plans. This makes both seeking help and adhering to the treatment challenging.
Furthermore, certain conditions may affect a person’s judgment, memory, and other critical functions, making it harder for people to commit to and follow through with a treatment program. For instance, people with dementia may forget to take MAT medications or attend appointments, whereas those with depression may abuse medications as a way to self-medicate.
#3. Social Aspect
Sadly, it’s not uncommon for older adults to live in isolation, especially since opioid addiction can—and often does—lead to strained relationships with family and friends. Without a support system, treating opioid use disorder in older adults can be rather challenging.
After all, being surrounded by loved ones can help anyone navigate treatment options and stick to the treatment more effectively. Meanwhile, social isolation can make it challenging for them to sustain motivation and overcome the physical and emotional difficulties that come with traditional opioid dependence treatments.
Not to mention, shame, the stigma around addiction, and the fear of being a burden to family members can discourage older adults from seeking help for OUD.
If this sounds like you, know that it’s not your fault; opioid dependence doesn’t discriminate and can happen to anyone taking these drugs. It’s never too late to recover, and with modern opioid dependence treatments—namely, ANR treatment—it is easier than you may think.
ANR Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Older Adults
Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is an ultra-modern treatment developed by Dr. Andre Waismann that can help you conquer opioid dependence safely, quickly, and effectively, regardless of your age. As of today, this treatment has helped nearly 25,000 people globally make a long-lasting recovery.
ANR approaches opioid dependence treatment from a medical, scientifically-based perspective, acknowledging and addressing its neurochemical causes through endorphin-receptor modulation.
The procedure is carried out in an ICU setting of fully accredited hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment. The ANR team comprises highly experienced and compassionate board-certified medical professionals, including anesthesiologists and critical care physicians, so you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands throughout the treatment.
Most importantly, ANR enables you to resume a normal life soon after completing the treatment. Due to its comprehensive approach, this method doesn’t involve any opioid-replacement drugs, counseling, or other therapies.
ANR vs. Traditional Detox Methods
ANR differs from traditional detox methods and opioid dependence treatments, as it attacks the root of the problem rather than merely treating the symptoms. It is the first and only treatment that acknowledges and addresses the underlying cause of opioid dependence—the chemical brain imbalance that occurs due to repeated opioid exposure.
The ANR treatment re-regulates the endorphin-receptor system while the patient is sedated, minimizing discomfort. The procedure eliminates opioids from the system and modulates the nervous system to decrease opioid receptor production. At the same time, it allows the body to resume proper endorphin production, bringing the brain to its pre-dependence state.
By restoring normal brain function, ANR effectively addresses the deep-seated causes of opioid dependence and achieves its therapeutic goal—neuro-equilibrium. In doing so, it sets you free from persistent cravings and the fear of relapse.
3 Benefits of Undergoing ANR Treatment as an Older Adult with OUD
The main benefits of undergoing ANR treatment as an older adult with opioid use disorder include safety and effectiveness, short treatment duration, and personalization.
Here’s a more in-depth look at the key advantages of ANR:
#1. Safe and Effective
ANR treatment is scientifically proven to be safe and effective. A 2023 study on its safety profile found that ANR is a low-risk procedure. It isn’t associated with adverse events related to oxygen saturation, with patients demonstrating hemodynamic and pulmonary stability both during and after the procedure.
Furthermore, ANR addresses the root cause of opioid dependence by re-balancing the endorphin system, thereby eradicating withdrawal symptoms. As such, it eliminates the risk of relapse and has an exceptionally high success rate.
#2. Short Treatment Duration
With an average hospital stay of just 36 hours, ANR can help you return to an opioid-free life within a matter of days. While other treatments take months and still lead to relapse, the ANR procedure takes only 4–6 hours and has lasting results. Once your endorphin-receptor system is brought back to normal, you’ll be completely clean, and you will no longer need or crave opioids.
Our dedicated team will continue to follow up with you as needed and support you through the optimization and stabilization of your endorphin-receptor system.
#3. Personalized Treatment Plan
Unlike traditional methods, ANR isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment; each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and medical history. For this reason, this treatment can be safely performed on virtually everyone, including older adults with co-occurring medical issues, such as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease.
How to Access ANR Treatment
To access ANR treatment, contact us for a free, 100% confidential consultation. We are here to listen to your story, ease your concerns, and provide you with guidance with no obligation. You can reach us via email—[email protected]—or call us at +1 (813) 213-3349.
For your convenience, you can find specialized ANR treatment facilities around the world, including:
- ANR Europe Thun, Switzerland
- Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
- Innovate Intelligent Place, Goiânia, Brazil
- DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Arcadia, Florida
- New Vision University Hospital, Tbilisi, Georgia
No matter which ANR center you choose, you can expect the same level of attention and care. All of our centers are dedicated to excellence and adhere to the highest patient safety, care, and quality standards.
Real Life Story
Meet Jerry, an inspiring patient whose heartfelt story demonstrates the transformative power of ANR in treating opioid use disorder in older adults:
Key Takeaways
Before you leave, let’s go over the key things we covered today:
- Opioid use disorder in older adults refers to the chronic, problematic use of opioids in adults above the age of 60.
- Treating opioid addiction in aging populations comes with unique physical, cognitive, and social challenges that need to be addressed to maximize the chances of long-lasting recovery.
- ANR treatment outshines traditional methods in treating opioid use disorder in older adults because it attacks the root of opioid dependence and offers a personalized approach, making it safe and effective.
Opioid Use Disorder in Older Adults FAQ
Older adults are more sensitive to opioids due to age-related physiological changes. In particular, renal and hepatic function decreases with age, affecting the distribution and clearance of opioids.
High-risk opioid patients are those who face a higher risk of opioid misuse, dependence, and addiction. Since opioid dependence stems from opioid-induced neurochemical changes, anyone who takes opioids for a prolonged time can be considered a high-risk opioid patient.
What makes ANR different from traditional opioid treatments is the therapeutic goal of endorphin-receptor system repair. ANR is the only method that approaches opioid dependence treatment from a scientifically-based perspective, treating its deep-rooted causes through endorphin-receptor modulation.
The best way to prevent opioid use disorder in older adults is to seek options for acute or chronic pain management without opioids. In other words, anyone, including seniors, should only opt for opioid therapy if other alternatives fail. If you have to take opioids, carefully follow the doctor’s instructions and track your opioid intake to reduce the risk of OUD.
