miseniors.net

A significant change in the number of elderly people are suffering from substance abuse. Between 1992 and 2008, treatments for substance abuse more than doubled in the United States for people 50 years and older, experts say. This is all due to the massive baby boom generation. The elderly represent about one of every eight in need of help for addiction, which has doubled during in a period of 16 years. Unfortunately growth exceeds the gains of the overall population in the elderly population. Between 2000 and 2008, drug treatment admissions in 50 years and over increased by 70 percent, while the total population over 50 grew by 21 percent. Experts say it is because these baby boomers have historically high addiction, often developed over three or four decades of life.

In other words, the baby-boomer population has some experience with substance abuse and is more comfortable with these substances. Professionals believe that the actual number of older people with substance abuse problems are much greater than the number seeking help. Although the elderly drug addicts flourish, relatively few facilities offer treatment programs for that particular age group. Those facilities that do not offer age specific programs say they will help participants relate to each other and keep them focused on themselves, rather than mentoring young drug addicts.

Among those taking this approach is Henry Dennis, who at 70 has been addicted to heroine for the last 50 years. He came to the Odyssey after a relapse and was arrested for drug possession. Dennis said he saw at least a dozen friends die from drug abuse, but it was not enough to keep him from relapsing. After eight months of being in treatment, he says he finally has the will to quit.

The experts noted an increase in the use of illegal drugs, while treatment for alcohol decreased, even though it is the leader among older adults for treatment. In 2008, statistics show 59.9 percent of those aged 50 and seeking treatment cited alcohol as the primary drug, down 84.6 percent in 1992. Heroin came in second with 16 percent of admissions in this age group, more than doubled its share in the previous study. Cocaine was third with 11.4 percent, more than four times the rate of 1992. Studies show that the vast majority of older drug addicts and alcoholics are reported with their content of choice many years earlier, as Dennis. Continued use can cause liver damage, memory loss, hepatitis and a host of other medical problems. A minority of people find solace in drugs and alcohol, much later, fueled by dramatic life changes, loneliness, and physical pain.