According to the Centers for Disease Control, someone dies due to a prescription drug overdose every 19 minutes in this country. A vast majority of these cases are accidental or the result of addiction. Over the past decade, admissions for seniors into rehab centers have skyrocketed by 450 percent and unintentional prescription drug overdose is the second leading cause of injury-related death in the over-65 population.

The issue of prescription drug safety among seniors is one that needs much attention from doctors and legislators. As individuals in their 70s and 80s average eight different prescription medications on a daily basis and many in this group have issues with dementia, cognitive difficulties and even Alzheimer’s disease, proper monitoring and management of pills becomes imperative for their safety.

The Medical Community Is Pushing for Senior Prescription Drug Safety Strategies

In the face of these frightening statistics, physicians and legislators are coming together to try to reverse the numbers of seniors who are being harmed by the medications that were meant to prevent disease and save lives. Some of the strategies being discussed and/or implemented include:

• Establishing state and national prescription drug databases to monitor the prescriptions being written and dispensed for potentially addictive and deadly medications.

• Creating electronic medical records and prescription protocols.

• Including a senior’s caregivers as a routine part of their doctor visits. Caregivers should be included in the explanation of prescriptions, side effects and contraindications so they can effectively monitor their use at home.

• Increasing awareness that seniors with mild memory problems are at the biggest risk for problems with prescription drug overdose and/or interaction. Clearly labeled pillboxes for each day of the week can help this issue, but caregivers still need to oversee the process to catch any mistakes.

Seniors, Alcohol and Prescription Drugs Make a Dangerous Combination

Another area where more public awareness is desperately needed is in the combination of prescription meds and alcohol. Even just one alcoholic beverage can have a potentially deadly impact, depending on the prescription and the patient’s overall health and metabolism. Respiration can stop completely because alcohol slows the central nervous system, just like sedatives and opiate medications. Many seniors already have a compromised health status due to chronic illness, which makes their body less able to tolerate alcohol and prescription drugs – especially in overwhelming combination.

If you know a senior who has become addicted to prescription medications, there is help available. We can connect you to a variety of high-quality treatment programs that provide addiction treatment individualized to each person’s specific needs. For seniors with ailing health, each day matters. Don’t let another day pass wasted on addiction. Contact us today.