The Little Known Phenomenon of Elder Substance Abuse
Few of us would imagine that senior citizens have significant substance abuse problems. It’s like imagining your priest or pastor is a drug addict. It doesn’t seem possible. However, elder substance abuse continues to rise.
In 2014, over one million seniors, 65 or older, reported a substance use disorder. Elder substance abuse is a growing epidemic with a projected 5.7 million older Americans to be diagnosed with substance use disorder by this year.
If you, your senior parent or some other elder you love is showing signs of a substance use disorder, please reach out to a senior detox program in Florida. The first step to recovering from a substance use disorder, overcoming addiction and enjoying a sober life is detox. Don’t try detoxing on your own. To comfortably and safely detox from a drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to a professional detox center, like Serenity House Detox Center in FL.
What Drives Them to Drugs?
What could be causing this growing problem? Some events that occur in later life are hard to be emotionally prepared for. Leaving a successful career behind can be an especially tricky prospect for many. As we all age, we encounter more medical issues that may require prescription painkillers. Older adults end up taking more medications as they age. On top of all things, losing loved ones can be a critical factor contributing to elder substance abuse.
Alcohol is the most often abused drug among the elderly, but it’s not the only cause for concern. Prescription drug abuse has doubled since 2002 among the elderly, which shows that they are keeping pace with the rest of the population in addiction to prescription opiate painkillers.
Early Retirement and Addiction
Are there any trends or patterns among people retiring that can predict substance abuse? While predicting substance abuse may not be possible, there was a circumstance that researchers found to be associated with higher substance abuse. People who chose to take early retirement because of a negative situation with their company end up feeling the least satisfied and are the most likely to turn to the bottle for comfort.
Elder Substance Abuse Detox
With the increase in elder substance abuse, detox centers provide programs for seniors. Detox programs include:
- Medical detox program in FL
- Luxury alcohol detox in Ft. Lauderdale
- Inpatient drug detox
- Prescription painkiller detox in FL
- Prescription drug detox
Information for Seniors and Their Families
The good news for elders is substance abuse treatment can be effective, and addiction doesn’t have to rule the rest of their lives. Getting more information about addiction can be the best way to gain perspective. Contact Serenity House Detox today for more information on senior citizen addiction, and substance abuse treatment. Serenity House Detox has multiple locations, with luxury rehab centers in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, FL, as well as Houston, TX. Call 866.294.5306 to learn more about Serenity House Detox and to discuss detox programs and detox therapies for elder substance abuse.
