Addiction affects seniors or older adults in much the same way that it affects those who are below the age of 65 years. However, people in this age group often require specialized addiction treatment and rehabilitation services to ensure that they overcome their drug and alcohol abuse habits. This is because most of them might not be able to recover well if they are enrolled in a program with younger generations.
Research studies have shown that seniors or older adults tend to enjoy better outcomes, participate more, and feel more comfortable when they are enrolled in an addiction treatment program that caters to the needs of older generations. This is because they are better able to share their stories with their peers who are also struggling with similar or related addictions. Further, it could be as a result of the fact that older adults tend to require additional help so that they can overcome their drug and alcohol abuse.
Specialized rehabilitation and treatment programs also allow seniors to receive the help that they need to deal with the issues surrounding their substance abuse and addiction - such as pain, grief, loss, and trauma.
Substance abuse and addiction among seniors or older adults can be difficult to heal. This is because the body tends to react differently to drugs and alcohol as it gets older. Further, people in this population often suffer from other issues that might not be that common among younger generations. These issues include but are not limited to lack of mobility, stigma, unmanaged depression, loneliness, and isolation.
All these issues tend to be barriers for seniors who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. As a result, they might not always be able to access the rehabilitation and treatment services that they need to overcome these disorders.
In the same way, young people might not always suffer from the same symptoms of withdrawal as seniors or older adults. This is because their bodies are better equipped to handle these symptoms - or can be guided to do so using various medications.
Today, addiction treatment programs for seniors focus on all these issues. They also deal with the other additional obstacles that seniors or older adults struggle with to achieve happiness and life satisfaction. These obstacles include financial uncertainty, family discord, loss, grief, social isolation, declining health, and loneliness.
All these factors increase the risk that the older adults will suffer from substance abuse as well as have to deal with emotional distress, despair, depression, and physical discomfort.
To this end, drug rehabs for people in this age group with ensure that these factors are taken care of while also guiding their clients on the road to recovery from substance abuse and addiction.
If you are above the age of 65 years and you have been abusing drugs or drinking alcohol excessively, you should consider enrolling in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment program for seniors or older adults. This will help you overcome your substance abuse and addiction as well as deal with all the other factors that might also be linked to your dependence on these intoxicating substances.
Learning what treatment is best for you or your loved one is easy. Speak to one of our trained counselors and let them guide you to the best treatment options available for your specific needs.