Substance Abuse Problems Among Older Americans Means More Seniors Need the Help Narconon Arrowhead Offers

Most people know that it’s the young who consume most of the alcohol and illicit drugs. But they may not know that one of the fastest growing trends is toward higher levels of substance abuse among older Americans.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 4.8 million Americans who are 50 and older are currently abusing prescription drugs or illicit drugs. This constitutes 5.2% of this population. If you add alcohol, the estimate rises to 17%, per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Seniors have their own unique challenges plus some that are common to every age group. They experience more isolation, loss of social and professional standing, loss of family and friends and health issues. They can share loneliness and boredom with any age group. Substance abuse may not be as obvious in older adults, since they may not be losing jobs and getting arrested like younger abusers. It may take mental or physical deterioration to be a tip-off for family. Caregivers may need to monitor alcohol supplies and pill counts to know if abuse is occurring.

Review of Trend Shows Startling Growth in Abuse Statistics

While 5.2% of the older population abusing substances may not sound like a lot, compare it to the estimates from just a few years before:

•    Combining figures from 2007 to 2009, SAMHSA estimated that 6.9% of older males were abusing prescription or illicit drugs plus 3.8% of women
•    Compare this to figures from 2002-2003 when 2.3% of older men were abusing drugs and 1.4% of women.

At this rate, it won’t take long for these numbers to triple.

It may be significant that this group of older adults were the ones who saw soaring illicit drug use statistics in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As this group ages, they may not have the aversion to substance abuse held by prior generations.

Age Presents Special Dangers for the Drug Abuser that They May Not be Aware Of

As bodies age, they tend to metabolize or break down drugs and alcohol more slowly. For example, person who, at a younger age, could tolerate 40 mg of OxyContin at noon then take more at 4 p.m. may find that this subsequent dose now results in higher blood levels of OxyContin than expected. It is easier to hit toxic blood levels of drugs or alcohol, meaning a person could unintentionally overdose.

For this reason and for improved quality of life, it is just as important to provide drug rehabilitation services for older Americans as it is the young.

Narconon Arrowhead Provides Sobriety for All Ages

At Narconon Arrowhead, a premier drug rehab in Southeastern Oklahoma, under the management group Narconon International, all ages are able to find recovery from drug or alcohol abuse. It is not uncommon to find a recovering addict in his or her 70s learning new drug-free life skills right alongside a 19-year-old.

All ages also benefit from the Narconon New LIfe Detoxification Program, a sauna and gentle exercise detox that flushes drug residues out of fatty tissues. These residues have been found to contribute to drug and alcohol cravings and foggy, slow thinking. At the completion of this service, many people describe a brighter outlook on life as well. One woman in her mid-40s described her result from this service: “I felt like new.” She reported that her energy and thinking improved as well.

No matter what the age of the person you wish to help, Narconon Arrowhead can help them achieve a fresh, new, drug-free future. Get all the details by contacting an Intake Counselor at 1-800-468-6933.


References:

http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/attachements.cfm/att_50566_EN_TDAD08001ENC_web.pdf
http://www.maclearinghouse.com/PDFs/SubstanceAbuse/SA1016.pdf
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k5/olderadults/olderadults.pdf
http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k11/013/WEB_SR_013_HTML.pdf
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/168/168OlderAdultsHTML.pdf

For more information on the Narconon Program call 800-468-6933.