More Older Adults Being Treated for Substance Abuse
Treatment for drug or alcohol abuse is appropriate and effective for people of any age. A new study shows that more older adults are seeking treatment for substance abuse than ever before.
Men Getting Treatment
A study sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that admissions to substance abuse treatment by adults older than 50 doubled from 6.6 percent of all admissions in 1992 to 12.2 percent in 2008.
The leading cause of admissions for this age group was alcohol abuse, but during the period studied there was a sharp rise in admissions for illicit drug abuse:
• Prescription drug abuse increased from 0.7 percent to 3.5 percent.
• Heroin abuse more than doubled, from 7.2 percent to 16 percent.
• Cocaine abuse quadrupled, from nearly 3 percent to 11.4 percent.
• Marijuana abuse rose from 0.6 percent to 2.9 percent.
“These findings show the changing scope of substance abuse problems in America,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, JD. “The graying of drug users in America is an issue for any programs and communities providing health or social services for seniors.”
Admissions to substance abuse treatment centers for more than one substance disorder nearly tripled, from 13.7 percent in 1992 to nearly 40 percent in 2008. Admissions for alcohol abuse and co-occurring cocaine abuse, for example, more than tripled from 5.3 percent in 1992 to 16.2 percent in 2008.
Older adults were seeking fewer admissions solely for alcohol abuse during the years studied. Those admissions decreased from 84.6 percent in 1992 to about 60 percent in 2008.
“A critical aspect of senior health is the ability to be free of alcohol and drug addiction. It is troubling, therefore, to see an increasing number of older Americans struggling with substance abuse,” said Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Administration for Aging. “This is a trend we must address for the benefit of each individual now as well as a generation of baby boomers on the doorstep of old age.”
The SAMHSA study found that more than three-quarters of older adults admitted to substance abuse treatment began using drugs or alcohol by the age of 25. The study also found, however, that an increasing proportion of people being admitted only began using drugs or alcohol within the five years prior to admission. Of those admissions, cocaine was the substance most often being used (26.2 percent), followed by prescription drugs (25.8 percent).
Substance Abuse Treatment for Older Adults
Substance abuse treatment is effective for adults of any age. Older adults who are seeking treatment for drug or alcohol abuse should find a treatment facility that will work best based on their individual needs. They may be able to find a facility that caters specifically to older adults for more targeted treatment options.
An effective treatment facility, whether residential or outpatient, can help older adults end their substance abuse and learn healthier ways to cope so that they no longer turn to drugs or alcohol.
Contact our facility in Southern California today for help if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction. We have a nationwide network of resources and can help you no matter your location or situation.
