Addiction and the Aging - Term Paper Example

Challenges which professionals face in relation to these addictions shall also be presented in this paper. The management of such addictions shall also be considered for this paper, especially in relation to support and sober living facilities for the elderly. There are different types of addiction which are currently manifesting in the elderly population. Since the 1990s, experts have noted the rise of alcohol abuse among the older adults – the group which they refer to as the “hidden population” (Smith).

They highlight the fact that among older adults, about 1.1 and 2.3 million citizens use alcohol in order to relieve their loneliness and their anxiety. The greater issue with this problem stems down from the fact that it is not given as much attention by the medical community. As a result, alcohol addiction among the elderly is rising and is not being addressed as a health issue. Consequently, studies point out that as much as 10% to 15% of health issues among elderly adults are actually attributed to alcohol abuse (Smith).

It is also a difficult disorder to detect among elderly adults because it mimics other conditions which usually manifest in the elderly population. These conditions and symptoms may include joint aches and pains, insomnia, loss of sex drive, depression, loss of memory, and anxiety (Smith). Many elderly adults also live isolated lives and have limited opportunities for socialization; as a result, their issue is often not noticed until it has turned into an addiction. Even then, it is difficult to undergo the process of rehabilitation among older adults because of their unwillingness to cooperate and because of their attitude against change (Smith).

The fact that society is more likely to ignore the issue among older adults also exacerbates this problem. Drug abuse is also one of