Seniors and Treatment for Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Why do the elderly need special treatment programs for addiction?

Millions of senior citizens living in the United States are struggling day after day with their alcohol or drug addiction problem. Fortunately, senior citizen drug rehab programs have been developed to help these individuals overcome their addiction.

Senior citizen drug rehab programs were developed because of the special needs accompanying this population. Some seniors are left alone to deal with health problems and financial difficulties. They may become depressed or confused or both. In an attempt to ease the emotional and/or physical pain these seniors unwittingly turn to drugs and alcohol. Perhaps, they suffer from chronic pain.

Often times, one treating doctor does not know what another doctor has prescribed. Sometimes, seniors become confused by the variety of medications in their possession and inadvertently take the wrong pill at the wrong time and become addicted to drugs.

The unique medical conditions that define senior health care also determine what types of medications and therapeutic modalities are needed. Geriatric expertise and addiction experience are required for treating doctors, medical staff, therapists, and clinicians attending to older adult addicts.

Elderly substance abuse is not a new problem, but it is frequently hidden. Often an individual living alone will conceal his or her addiction from family, friends or even the primary physician. Unfortunately, with many elderly, addiction may be compounded by psychiatric disorders such as depression, or medical conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Specialized Senior Citizen Drug Rehab Programs

The most effective senior citizen drug rehab programs take a holistic approach to breaking addiction through a multidisciplinary team that includes:

Registered nurses
Physicians (geriatric specialists with addiction expertise)
Psychologists
Psychiatrists (geriatric specialists with addiction expertise)
Addiction counselors
Senior Fitness and Recreation specialists

It is just as important for seniors to be treated for both the physical and psychological effects of drug or alcohol abuse as it is for those younger adults. Professionals handling seniors’ addictions must be qualified to manage medical problems that may have been present before treatment. These may include current health problems or psychological issues that may manifest during treatment: confusion, aggression, fear, grief etc. Interventions specific to a patient’s age and condition will be necessary to stabilize him or her.

The core elements for addiction treatment will be the same for senior addiction programs. These include individual therapy, group therapy, pain management, medication management, behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, 12 Step programs, relapse prevention, exercise and nutrition, physical therapy and aftercare planning.

Call now if you or someone you know is suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Our counselors are standing by to answer all your questions and to help you find the right rehabilitation facility for your needs.