Senior Drug Use and Rehab

The misuse of drugs and alcohol among the younger populations is widely known as it is often discussed as a major problem, but these issues are also a large concern for the senior population. As we age we face issues from life transitions such as job retirement, losing friends or loved ones, and our own personal health decline that may cause some to turn to substance use in order to cope. In this article we will discuss statistics and factors contributing to senior drug use, detox for seniors, types of senior rehab programs and steps to finding the right rehab program for you or a senior in your life facing drug and alcohol abuse problems.

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Drug Use in Seniors

Over the past decade, statistics show that substance abuse among seniors has doubled according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Alcohol is the number one substance abused by those 65 and up, followed by prescription drugs like opiates and benzodiazepines, and over-the-counter medications. 

Factors Contributing to Higher Rate of Substance Use

• Chronic Pain Management: As we age our bodies don’t work as well as they once did and sometimes that means pains that range in intensity. To manage the pain and even anxiety, seniors often rely on prescription opioids and sedatives.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Seniors oftentimes find themselves disconnected from social aspects of life. What once may have been active and busy lives start to slow down as we age and aren’t able to keep up as much or get ourselves to and from activities outside the home. These disconnections may lead some individuals towards self-medication to cope.
• Mental Health Issues: Depression, anxiety, and grief affect people of all ages and seniors are faced with many life changes that directly affect these mental health issues as they age. Substances are often used as a tool to cope with these mental health issues rather than seeking professional help.
• Misuse of Medications: Cognitive decline is part of the aging process and this can cause misunderstanding on how to take medications leading to accidental misuse. This misuse can in turn accidentally lead to addiction. 

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Senior Drug Detox

The detox process comes with many challenges that make it a difficult process to manage alone but especially dangerous for seniors due to their unique health concerns. Having their detox process medically supervised ensures that the detox process is done safely, their comfort is maintained as much as possible, and their withdrawal symptoms are properly managed. 

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Alcohol Detox for Seniors

Alcohol is the most abused substance by seniors and there are serious health risks that come with the abuse of alcohol including liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, many medications are often prescribed to seniors that do not work properly or may even have adverse effects when combined with the use of alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol may be life-threatening including seizures and delirium tremens making it especially important to detox in a setting where they can be medically supervised.

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Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Detox

It is common to see the misuse of prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines and opioids among seniors. This is either from intentional misuse in an attempt to manage chronic pain or unintentional from a lack of understanding or forgetfulness. There are also over-the-counter medications, such as sleep aids or cold medicines, that are often misused for similar reasons. A medically supervised detox program may be helpful in these instances to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms while also addressing other health concerns for the individual. 

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Illicit Substance Detox

Illicit drug use tends to be less common among seniors but is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Substances like cocaine or heroin have serious health concerns for anyone but paired with the health issues that seniors face makes it that much dangerous of an issue. Withdrawal may bring about complications from cardiovascular strain or respiratory issues that make a medically supervised detox program crucial for seniors.

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Types of Senior Drug Rehabs

Rehab facilities specifically for seniors can provide programs designed around the needs of seniors detoxing. These programs may include physical therapy, counseling, group therapy, and holistic care addressing both addiction issues and age-related challenges. These facilities also create a place for seniors to connect with others going through the same issues creating a sense of community and addressing issues with isolation and loneliness. 

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Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled Nursing Facilities or SNFs are short-term facilities where people can live temporarily to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation from injury, illness, or addiction. They offer a range of services and comprehensive care including physical therapy, counseling, substance abuse treatment, 24-hour supervision, assistance with everyday activities, and more to best support seniors as they go through the detox process. 

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Nursing Homes

Nursing homes offer 24/7 medical care and support for seniors in every aspect of their lives and, while they are not solely focused on addictions and the detox process, they can provide programs for seniors recovering from addiction. Nursing homes can provide proper medication management making this a good solution for those seniors who struggle with understanding how to properly take their medications or who may forget when they last took them causing misuse of medications. Nursing homes also provide a community for seniors helping to alleviate issues of loneliness and isolation which is often a cause for abusing substances

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Finding the Right Senior Drug Rehab Program

If you are a senior with substance abuse issues or there is a senior in your life who is struggling with substance abuse the process of finding the right program may seem daunting. Here are some steps you can follow to help make the process a little easier:

1. Assess the Senior’s Needs: You will want to consider their physical health, mental health, and substance use history. If the main cause of their misuse of substances is from decline in cognitive function they may be best supported by a nursing home setting. Alternatively, if they have a history of substance abuse or it’s stemming from mental health issues their needs may be best met in a Senior Rehab facility. 
2. Research Facilities: Research senior-specific facilities in the area where the senior is living or will want to live. The right rehab will offer comprehensive care, including mental health services, medically supervised detox, and aging services. Check out the reviews to see how others' experiences have gone. 
3. Visit or Consult with Facilities: Once you’ve researched and found some facilities that meet your needs, reach out to speak to someone regarding any questions you may have. You should be able to schedule a time to visit to tour the facilities, ask additional questions, and meet with staff who will be supporting you/your loved one's journey. 

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Call Today For Senior Rehab

Seniors play a vital role in society from their wisdom to the love and comfort only they can provide. We must address the substance abuse issues and underlying causes leading them to abuse. It’s never too late to reclaim health. There are options to fit the needs of any senior struggling with substance abuse issues along with the life transitions that come with aging. If you or a senior you know is struggling with substance abuse issues don’t hesitate to reach out to a Senior facility today and start the journey towards recovery.