Who We Are News and Events Resources for Caregivers Additional Info Census Figures Eye on Health COAF's Holiday Tips Is your Grandchild Learning Disabled? How to Support Us			Additional Info - COAF's Ties that Bind Program A Toast...To Your Health Submitted by Dr. Kim Sumner-Mayer, Kinship Care Manager, Children of Alcoholics Foundation Being a relative caregiver can be a tough job--no one needs to tell you that. That's why it's so important for caregivers to take care of themselves and learn how to manage stress well. This issue of Thoughts on the Ties That Bind focuses on a health issue that caegivers often don't like to talk about: their own drinking and use of prescription medications or other drugs. It can be hard enough to face up to a birthparent's use of alcohol or other drugs, but it may be even harder for caregivers to give their own use of these substances a fair look. But it's a health issue and it's got to be addressed. Would you believe that in the past month, 5 million Americans over 55 years old (9%) binged on alcohol (drank more than 5 drinks at a time up to four occasions during the month), 1 million more (2%) drank even more than that, and more than a half a million used illicit drugs? Did you know that Americans over 65 take an average of 11 prescription medications a year, and that 85% take one more more prescription drugs regularly? (Yes, prescription medications are drugs too!) The potential for overuse or abuse is very real. Many caregivers have never abused alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. But if you had a problem with drugs or alcohol when you were younger, you may be especially vulnerable to overusing alcohol or other substances now that you are a caregiver again. While an occasional drink to celebrate or relax is okay for most caregivers, regular or increasing use could be warning signs of overuse. For both groups of caregivers--those who never had a problem with substances in the past and those who did--the stresses of caregiving are very real. The realities of caring for a new generation at a time in your life when you weren't planning to--or the pain and worry associated with the birthparents' circumstances that brought the children to you, and about the children's future--or guilty feelings about events in your family's past--often put caregivers at risk for anxiety and depression. Some caregivers find themselves turning to alcohol, increasing use of prescription medications, or other drugs to numb the pain or just to get through the day or night. But even if this doesn't describe you or someone you know, it's still a good idea to look at your own use of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. All of these substances act differently in an aging body than in a spring chicken, and you should know how. Alcohol, Medication, Drugs and the Aging Body Did you know that alcohol, medications, and drugs hang around in the bodies of those 60 and older longer than in a younger body? It's true. Here's why: First, the water content of body tissue in a 60+ person's body is lower (and unfortunately, this is especially true of women). That means that any substance you put into your body will stay in your blood at higher concentrations, and for a longer time, than the same amount did when you were younger. In addition, a 60+ person has fewer substances in the body to break down alcohol, medications and drugs (called enzymes), and they work more slowly than in a younger body. Again, the result is that any drug you put in your body (including alcohol and prescription meds) will stay there longer than it did when you were younger. Add to this slower reflexes and any mobility issues you may be dealing with, and you are at greater risk for alcohol or drug-related accidents like falls. This is even more of a concern if you are taking prescription medication, because of the risk of harmful interactions (especailly if you use sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medication). It may not be safe to drink alcohol at all, if you are taking certain prescription drugs. Talk to your doctor to be sure. And if you have more than one doctor, make sure that ALL of them know about ALL the medications you use--don't assume that they already know. Caregivers' Own Use and Family Relationships The kind of relief these substances give is temporary, and the costs usually outweigh the benefits. Overuse of alcohol, medication, or other drugs can impair your judgment and health, and hurt your family relationships. It is far better to find positive coping methods that do not involve the use of substances. For children with substance abusing parents, a caregiver's overuse of substances can be especially confusing or even frightening. And because these children are also at higher risk for developing alcohol or drug problems of their own, they need role models for positive coping without these substances. Moderation Guidelines How much is too much? Doctors agree that for a person aged 60 or older, the following are safe guidelines for alcohol consumption: * no more than one drink per day for men, and * no more than one half drink per day for women But what does "one drink" really mean? One drink= * one 12-ounce beer, or * one 5-ounce glass of wine, or * one, one-ounce shot of liquor If you are over 60 and you find yourself typically drinking more than this when you drink, or if you find yourself drinking several times a week, then you are at risk for alcohol-related health problems. But I don't have a problem...do I? Many caregivers who drink or use pills do not think that their use is a problem. And in many cases, it isn't. If you are not sure if you are overusing alcohol, medication, or other drugs, or if someone has suggested you may have a problem, here's a simple test you can take. It's called a CAGE test. If you currently use alcohol, prescription medications, or another drug in any amount, ask yourself these questions: * Have you ever thought that you should Cut down on your use? * Has another person ever Annoyed you by criticizing your alcohol, medication, or drug use? * Have you ever felt bad or Guilty because of your use? * Have you ever had a drink, popped a pill, or used a drug first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hnagover (an Eye-Opener)? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may be overusing. You should talk with your doctor about your use, and work on developing some healthier and more positive ways to cope. Healthy Coping There are many positive ways of coping with the stresses of caregiving without overusing alcohol or other drugs (and remember, medications are also drugs!). Taking good care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health will help. Eating healthy and getting exercise are great stress-and depression-busters. Learning relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or stretching can help. Building up and using social supports and doing activities that bring you joy will also work. Dance. Sing. Cook. Garden. Read Scripture. Watch a funny movie. Write in a journal. Call a friend. god for a walk. Maintain a hopeful outlook and surround yourself with positive people. Ask for help when you need it. Remember to take care of you! You're worth it, and so are those children you love and care for. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Ties That Bind handbook or fact sheets or would like more information about caring for a child because of a parental drug abuse problem, feel free to contact Kim Sumner-Mayer, Kinship Care Outreach Manager at the Children of Alcoholics Foundation, an affiliate of Phoenix House. Kim can be reached at (646) 505-2063 or at ksumner-mayer@phoenixhouse.org. Copyright © 2002 Brooklyn Grandparents' Coalition. All rights reserved.