 |
 |
If you are suffering from addiction, call Recovery Connection and let one of our trained coordinators help you find a quality treatment program. Call 1-800-993-3869 and regain control of your life.
Millions of senior citizens living in the United States are struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction. Fortunately, senior citizen drug rehab and geriatric drug rehab programs have been developed to help with a senior’s addiction. The drug addiction is more likely to be related to prescription drug addiction, rather than a street drug addiction; however, both types of addiction, as well as senior citizen alcoholism, are present in large numbers.
Senior citizen drug rehab programs were developed to specifically address issues relating to addiction and the elderly. Many American seniors are enjoying the fruits of their retirement and spending quality time with family members and friends; however, some seniors are left alone to deal with health problems and financial difficulties without the support they need. Senior citizen drug abuse can be more difficult to detect as medical providers and family members are either unaware or in denial, but the prevalence of senior drug addiction and geriatric drug addiction is real and growing.
Alcoholism and drug abuse impact people of all ages, including the senior citizen population. An individual may have been abusing drugs or alcohol for many years, but the level of use may increase dramatically after significant events, such as retirement, moving, or the death of a loved one. Alternatively, the drug abuse or alcoholism may have begun as a way of dealing with feelings of grief, financial difficulties, or loneliness.
The elderly population also suffers from pain, insomnia, and psychiatric issues more than the general population. Medications prescribed to treat these problems can be highly addictive. These medications, initially prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, can unintentionally lead to geriatric drug addiction.
Work obligations may deter use or limit drinking or drug use. Once a person is retired, and the responsibility of work is removed, seniors may increase their use of alcohol or drugs, and alcoholism or drug addiction may develop. Further, the older one is, the less able he or she is to process alcohol. Even a drink or two of alcohol can have severe consequences, such as dizziness and falls leading to physical injury and pain medication. As one ages, concentration and judgment may decline. A few drinks or a drug and a quick driving trip to the grocery store could prove to be disastrous.
Senior citizen substance abuse is not a new problem. Often the elderly live alone, concealing their addiction from family and friends. Their addiction may be compounded with psychiatric disorders such as depression, or medical conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
We struggle to envision our elderly parents or grandparents as substance abusers; however, this denial allows our society, including medical providers, to overlook senior citizen and geriatric drug addiction.
The family or medical provider may erroneously believe that the senior citizen who is addicted to drugs or alcohol is "old" and that getting treatment won't make a difference. Quality of life is important for everyone, including the senior citizen and geriatric population. On a positive note, there are drug addiction treatment centers and alcohol addiction treatment centers that provide senior citizens with the specific treatment that they require.
Pharmaceutical companies are actively marketing to the senior and geriatric market, spending millions of dollars on advertising their prescription medications. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the problems associated with mixing drugs. As baby boomers continue to age, senior drug addiction and geriatric drug addiction is more prevalent.
Surprisingly, senior drug addiction programs are increasingly treating patients 55-80 years of age suffering from heroin and cocaine addiction, while other older seniors suffer from prescription drug addiction and alcoholism.
Many seniors in the grips of drug addiction have co-occurring mental health problems as well. Their fear of dying, loss of a loved one, lack of physical prowess, or the end of a career directly impact their use of alcohol and drugs. Many aging adults have envisioned themselves as being healthy in their advancing years. They have been taken by surprise experiencing chronic pain or illness. Having to deal with physical and psychological changes has led many to abuse prescription medications.
If you are taking more medication than you should, Recovery Connection coordinators can help you find a senior citizen program to address your needs. Call 1-800-993-3869 and stop the progression of your addiction.
Fortunately, there are drug rehab programs specifically designed to deal with the unique issues surrounding elderly substance abuse. Programs of this nature should have medical and clinical staff certified in addiction medicine as well as general geriatric care and psychiatry. Types of staff should include:
These professionals will help treat both the physical and emotional problems of drug or alcohol dependence while addressing the underlying issues specific to the elderly. Specific treatment approaches for the elderly population should include:
Addiction treatment for seniors and the geriatric population should begin in an inpatient medical detox with 24 hour nursing and a full complement of medical services. The medical director and psychiatrist should be licensed and trained in addiction medicine with expertise in the medical and psychiatric needs of the senior and geriatric population.
A psychiatrist with experience in geriatric medicine is especially important in senior addiction treatment as many senior psychiatric symptoms can be attributed to age or drug and alcohol addiction. Senior citizen drug rehab programs and geriatric drug rehab programs will address treatment for the entire family and arrange supportive services for all family members.
Detox is only the first step in treatment. It needs to be followed by a comprehensive drug rehab or alcohol rehab program. While in addiction treatment, a comprehensive aftercare plan for returning to a normal, addiction free life will be developed.
Aftercare services are of great importance to a lasting recovery for those suffering from senior citizen drug addiction. Issues such as transportation to and from appointments and finding meaningful ways to fill the day will need to be handled prior to discharge.
No one anticipates being an addict. Immediate care is needed for seniors who have succumbed to addiction. Senior drug addiction treatment is a challenge, therefore treatment programs should include:
 |
1-800-993-3869 |  |
 |
