Summer Fall 2017

14 » A magazine for and about Oregon Community Hospitals. While it is gaining increased attention, addiction, misuse, and physical dependency of opioids have been referred to as a “quiet epidemic.” Despite recent media coverage and attempts to raise awareness, many may be surprised by the magnitude of the challenge in older adults. In fact, Medicare beneficiaries have the highest and fastest growing rate of opioid use disorder (OUD). More than six in 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries have been diagnosed with OUD. Lack of systematic screening policies and fears of discrimination and stigma mean this number is likely underestimated. 1 According to findings published in June 2016 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, nearly one-third (12 million) of Medicare beneficiaries received opioid prescriptions in 2015. On average, each received five opioid prescriptions that year. Across the country, opioid use and misuse were responsible for increasing emergency department (ED) utilization by 114 percent from 2004–2011, with 24–27 percent of those drug- related ED visits becoming hospital admissions. 1 Why Are Older Adults Vulnerable? For most older adults, opioid use begins with managing pain that may be the result of illness, injury, surgery, or a chronic condition. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 percent of older adults living independently suffer from chronic pain. That number jumps to 75–85 percent for adults who live in care facilities. 3 While highly effective for pain relief, an increased tolerance for opioids over time drives a need for more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This can lead to the serious potential for misuse, addiction and death from overdose. For older adults, the potential for harm can be worsened by other age-related factors, including: • Older adults are more likely to have memory lapses, increasing the chances of overdose if they forget they’ve already taken a dose; • Older adults are more likely to take other medications, increasing the risks of negative drug interactions; • Age-related decline in liver function and metabolism may make it easier for overdose or addiction to happen; SENIORS AREN’T TO THE OPIOID CRISIS