I know for a fact that my mother, who lives alone, is abusing prescription drugs. She won't let my brother, who lives nearby, or me, who lives out of state, talk with her doctors. She takes Oxycontin and drinks while on it. Also she took Ambien a couple years ago and totaled her car (and fractured her arm in the accident) while sleep walking on that. We finally got her to stop taking that and yesterday she just admitted she is still taking it. What can we do? She doesn't think any of it is a problem.
How does she keep getting medication?
Consider an intervention, if there are a couple family members who see the problem, and have a plan for a rehab center.
Consider having some AAs out to talk to her -call your local AA chapter
Consider going to Al-Anon yourself. It's for the families of alcoholics.
These aren't the only treatment modalities, but two of them are free, and there are some wonderful folks there.
Soooo Diane, I think she may continue to not listen to you, as my Mom has done, but maybe looking for support from a doctor might help. All I can say, is know want you are going through.
xo
-SS
2) It's a serious issue with the elderly in particular. a) Dr's throw pain medications at seniors to "quiet" their legitimate aches and pains
b) PT/OT would be a better choice but..Dr's who are not well versed with the elderly don't often opt for it - they're first treatment of choice is medication.
c) The Drug Reps drive this mentality - so - it's not all the Dr's onus
d) Dr's will continue to prescribe the pills until they realize what they've created! Then, they may opt not to treat anymore - it's a very sad scenario. Especially when it's OUR parents who are stuck in the middle of it and we have to clean up the mess.
3) Find a very good Geriatric Specialist - Seniors need special care - just as infants. Most Dr's will continue their care - but it's not where elderly belong - usually.
a) Reaction to medications are different and they have a higher risk of addiction
b) Also, have higher chance of depression - which can feed from the pain medications and incite the addiction. Very cyclical.
c) They will encourage therapy, movement, interaction etc - and can evaluate older people at a different level of understanding their specific needs and levels of care by setting realistic goals.
d) They know the overall health risks and for falls due to these pain medications.
e) Main side effect is constipation - which causes abuse of OTC laxatives. This also can cause serious bone loss. They're already prone to falls from decreased muscle tone, now you add pain meds which can create a fog, and then decreased bone mass - and you've got a disaster waiting to happen.
4) Best wishes on changing Dr's. When it's for their own good, lie - I know how difficult it is but figure out a way for your loved ones own health and just do it. You won't regret it in the long run..it sure beats ignoring the situation.
Blessings,
Cheryl
Tylenol shouldn't be coupled with alcohol. The combination is toxic to the liver and can be lethal. Anyone combining the two in large doses are playing a dangerous game with their body chemistry. If a person drinks, they should opt for another pain reliever.
-SS