Drug & Alcohol Rehab for Seniors

Firstly, doctors seem especially reluctant to intervene or even to diagnosis abuse, even when evidence points towards its occurrence. Substance abusing seniors experience an increased risk of personal injury, and the combination of frail and brittle bones with the un coordination and intoxication of drug abuse leads to alcohol or drug induced falls, and resultant broken bones. Attending physicians who suspect the involvement of alcohol or drug use very rarely intervene, perhaps unsure of the treatment options available for seniors with drug abuse problems, and perhaps erroneously believing that there is little that can be done for the older drug dependent person; whatever the reason, professional medical intervention is the exception and not the rule.

Secondly, the perceived social stigma of addiction seems to strongly influence older people to remain silent and secretive about the extent of their use and abuse. Seniors, particularly older women, feel very embarrassed with their "weakness" and tend to feel that they should have known better at their advanced age than to allow an addiction to occur. Very concerned with embarrassment before family, friends and society, these older users prefer to remain silent, and as such are very unlikely to request help on their own. Most seniors in a drug and alcohol rehab facility for seniors are there at the behest of family.

Thirdly, families, like medical professionals, also seem reluctant to get involved. Public perception of abuse and the elderly is that at such a late stage in life, it's too late for rehab or other treatments. Families may also feel embarrassed at the addiction of an older relative, or conversely, may feel that allowing them to indulge is a kindness that helps offset the pains of aging. Family members, although in the best position to influence behavioral change, are too often reluctant for any number of reasons to insist on drug and alcohol rehab for seniors, or other appropriate treatment.

Lastly, because many of the symptoms of decline associated with drug and alcohol abuse are similar to some of the normal symptoms of aging, often the extent of the abuse is not recognized. Cognitive declines, gastro intestinal difficulties, anxiety, depression and other symptoms may be attributed to any number of other conditions that commonly afflict the elderly, and as such the abuse is allowed to continue unrecognized.

The fact is that through a reduction in metabolic process efficiency, the physical devastation of drug and alcohol abuse is magnified amongst the elderly, and a quantity that may be consumed with little noticeable affect in a younger and healthy individual, can seriously harm an older and weaker body.

A slower metabolism means that consumed drugs are present and damaging in the body for far longer, and additionally that the likelihood of accidental overdose is increased. The loss of coordination induced through intoxication increases the probability of falls and resultant broken bones; and too often a loss of mobility.

Cognitive declines, premature and accelerated aging of the organs, an increased risk of cancers and heart diseases and a number of other conditions makes drug and alcohol abuse uniquely damaging within this population of users.

Whether it’s the loss of a spouse or the trauma of retirement, alcohol and drug abuse is not a healthy way to cope with life stresses, and the basal cause of the abuse, however comprehensible, can never justify the damage and reduction in quality of life that any substance abuse inevitably creates.

Studies on drug and alcohol rehab for seniors indicate that seniors do not require a senior specific facility or program, and that any traditional rehab environment can be very beneficial as long as the unique health needs of the older addict are met. Any rehab facility for seniors must offer appropriate access to medical treatment and evaluation through the recovery process. Medical supervision is especially vital during any period of detox and withdrawal; as the process, which can be dangerous and painful for addicts of any age, often takes longer and incurs increased health risks on the frailer bodies of the elderly.

Although studies have shown that any drug and alcohol rehab for seniors does offer effective recovery programming, many seniors feel more comfortable in a program amongst peers of a similar age, and senior specific programs are preferred by many older addicts entering a program.

Drug and alcohol rehab for seniors must be considered a valid and beneficial treatment option for any older adult enduring the trials of addiction. Whether seniors have struggled with addictions for years, or have developed drug or alcohol dependencies in later life, the treatments available are effective and recovery is always the only acceptable solution. Allowing for continued abuse is never a kindness, and drug or alcohol abuse amongst the elderly reduces quality of life, health, and ultimately life span.

Families and medical professionals need to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms that indicate abuse, and need to correctly diagnosis and arrange for appropriate treatment quickly. The risks of continued abuse are too great, and since seniors are so receptive to treatment, the likely benefits are equally great.

This societal problem is not going away, and with both a coming increase in the overall numbers of seniors, as well as increases in longevity and also drug taking attitudes of the emerging baby boom seniors, we are likely to see continued increases in drug and alcohol abuse dependence amongst the elderly.

A drug and alcohol rehab for seniors is often the answer. It works well and it can greatly increase the health and quality of life, while increasing the lifespan and decreasing the risks of injury and disease. If a loved family member needs help, they deserve access to treatment, regardless of their age.