Senior Addiction Treatment

Senior Addiction Treatment for Prescription Drugs

With their increased amount of illnesses, changes in drug metabolism and increased chance of drug interactions, seniors are at greater risk with an urgent need for senior addiction treatment even more so than other age groups. One third of all prescription drug abusers in the U.S. are seniors - age 65 or older. Seniors are prescribed more prescription drugs than their younger counterparts and may be taking prescription drugs even when medication is not necessary.

Diagnosing the Need for Senior Addiction Treatment Can Be Difficult

Senior addiction treatment for drug and alcohol is something that some seniors may either A) need but not know it or B) may deny they need or C) may hide from others. Senior addiction often goes undetected by friends or family members and this only compounds the problem. Diagnosing alcoholism or other senior addictions can be complicated since many addiction symptoms, including aches and pains, insomnia, loss of sex drive, depression, anxiety, loss of memory and other mental problems are often confused with normal signs of aging or the side effects of medications. Social and family isolation is common with this age group and so the person with the most opportunity to identify alcoholism, drug abuse or drug addiction is the family doctor who should see to it that the senior receives addiction treatment if it is needed.

Senior Addiction Treatment Options

After detoxification when necessary, further senior addiction treatment options exist from inpatient programs, day treatment, outpatient therapy, or community-based groups. It has been shown that the chance for a successful recovery improves in senior-specific drug and alcohol treatment programs compared with mixed-age programs. The relapse prevention program at Lakeview Health Systems provides patients with new and effective strategies to deal with stressors related to alcoholism and drug addiction. The goal of the Family Recovery Program is to assist families to form healthy relationships in addition to becoming healthy individuals. During the Family Recovery Program, family members will be educated as to the signs and symptoms relating to relapse and what preventive actions may prove helpful.

Call us toll free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-657-4357 and allow us to make a difference in your life. We are always available to help you with senior addiction treatment or any related questions or concerns that you may have. All calls are strictly confidential.