Substance Abuse Among the Elderly is a Growing Concern

Because of the unique life challenges that older people face, they are particularly vulnerable. Not only do they have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and drugs, but they are also a part of the population that tends to be ignored, as most media attention on substance abuse focuses on younger people. However, as the elderly population is projected to grow in the U.S. and other western countries, it is likely to become a greater problem in future years.

Senior substance abusers tend to fall into two categories:

• Those who have managed to live past 65 years of age despite the fact that they have abused alcohol or drugs for many years.
• Those who turn to alcohol or drugs later in life in order to deal with their changing life circumstances:


• - Loneliness
• - Grief due to the death of loved ones
• - Boredom/ lack of meaningful employment
• - Health concerns/ chronic pain
• - Reduced cognitive functioning
• - Fear of getting old
• - Family problems
• - Financial hardship

A Hidden Epidemic

Elderly substance abuse is sometimes referred to as a hidden epidemic, because it can be a lot harder to diagnose substance abuse in older people. A primary reason is that tools used to diagnose substance abuse tend to be biased towards younger people; there is often a focus on the ability of the individual to fulfill work commitments and family responsibilities. However, older individuals tend to have fewer such commitments, so it weakens the effectiveness of these standard diagnostic tools.

The elderly are also far more likely to suffer physical and mental damage as a result of alcohol or drug abuse. Their bodies are less able to repair the damage caused by substance abuse, and their health can rapidly decline.

It is Easy to Justify

Senior substance abusers can be particularly unwilling to admit to an addiction. They may view that by divulging such personal information, they are risking a great deal of shame and embarrassment. They also may feel they have fewer reasons to quit the substance abuse; they may not believe that they have many years left ahead of them. It is easy to justify continued abuse with the idea that it is too late to change.

Treatment Designed to Help Seniors

At 12 Palms Recovery Center, we understand the unique challenges senior substance abusers face. We can help you or your loved one with a course of treatment designed to help older adults escape substance abuse – and delivered with dignity, respect, care and privacy. Let 12 Palms help bring more years to your life, and more life to your years.