Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Senior Citizens and Elderly Adults
Addiction affects people of all ages, and elderly and senior citizens have different needs in dealing with addiction. They have different needs than younger people with addiction, and their care requires a tailored treatment approach.
The team at Lumina Recovery is committed to offering comprehensive support for seniors and older adults struggling with substance abuse. Our specialized addiction programs for older adults are rooted in a whole-person perspective, addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, psychological, and social factors that play a crucial role in recovery.
In addition to these specialized programs, geriatric addiction counseling to further support the unique challenges faced by this age group. We understand that the world is different for older adults, and our individual treatment plans programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of elderly and senior citizens seeking recovery
How Addiction Can Impact Seniors
Struggling with drug and alcohol addiction as a senior can have serious consequences, especially if a person doesn’t have a strong social support system. The wear and tear of addictive substances on their body may not show itself until it’s too late to alleviate the worst possible effects.
Physical Health Decline
Mental Health Issues
As addiction takes hold, seniors may withdraw from social interactions. This is already a concern for people as they age. Constantly seeking out substances, doctor shopping, or simply spending the majority of their time getting high can lead to a senior citizen isolating themselves out of shame. They may also feel that the younger people in their life don’t “get it” and continue their drug use in secret to avoid judgement.
Financial and Legal Problems
Addiction can strain finances and lead to legal issues, further complicating the lives of seniors. If seniors are on a fixed income, consistently buying addictive substances can affect their well-being on an immediate level. If they are financially secure, they may see drug use as a vice they can enjoy in their post-working life. They may even resent younger relatives who speak up about their drug use, misunderstanding it as greed or a lack of trust in the elderly person to manage their finances.
Risk Factors for Addiction in Seniors
Seniors and older adults face a distinct set of risk factors that can contribute to the development of substance use disorders. These can include:
Personal Loss
Older adults and seniors are more likely to have experienced a significant loss, such as the death of a spouse or the end of a lifelong career. Many of their social connections may have died, which can lead to existential feelings of isolation. If an older person feels that they no longer serve a purpose within their larger community, or have not figured out their new role as an elder, they may cope with this unspoken loss by using addictive substances.
Mental Health Disorders
Many older adults struggle with co-occurring mental health issues, such as clinical depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If older people endured traumatizing experiences (such as war or domestic abuse) and never received help, these unresolved issues may result in substance abuse at an older age. Self-medication with substances like alcohol or prescription drugs was also much more of an acceptable response in past decades. Older people may be coping how they believe is best based on what they saw older adults doing in their childhood.
Loneliness
Social isolation and loneliness are more common among seniors. They may live alone, move to a retirement community where they have no existing friendships, or have limited social interactions on a daily basis. Alcohol or drug use may temporarily alleviate feelings of isolation but can lead to physical addiction over time.
Chronic Pain
The prevalence of chronic pain conditions drastically increases with age. Some people turn to prescription medications or other substances to manage their pain, but inadvertently develop a substance use disorder. If someone is weary of enduring physical pain or of using “typical” pain medication, they may turn to substances like alcohol or cannabis (marijuana) to cope with pain in what they perceive to be a more pleasurable manner.
Access to specialized care is essential for older adults dealing with chronic pain and substance abuse. Our rehab programs are equipped to provide age-specific care, including medical services to address underlying health complications and medication management tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether through inpatient treatment or outpatient programs, our goal is to empower seniors to manage their health and achieve lasting recovery.
Treating Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults
Addiction treatment in Los Angeles for older adults must consider each person’s unique needs and circumstances. Treatment may include:
Medically Assisted Detoxification
The detoxification process can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Our staff will closely monitor you during medically assisted detox to ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout the process.
For those with severe withdrawal risks, a medically supervised inpatient treatment program is essential to manage dangerous withdrawal symptoms and provide continuous care. We will adjust your detox program as needed, based on your medical history and any medications you may be taking. This helps minimize the risk of potential complications.
Addiction-Focused Therapy
Therapy is foundational to our older adult recovery programs. Our licensed mental health professionals will work with you to address the emotional and psychological factors behind substance use disorders. Individual therapy allows for one-on-one exploration of personal issues and challenges, while group therapy provides opportunities to connect with peers of all ages who share similar struggles.
As part of dual diagnosis care, we address both mental health disorders and mental health symptoms to ensure comprehensive treatment and better outcomes. We want to honor the experiences of older adults and help them with their conditions while they heal from addiction. Our goal is to help people develop emotional resilience and vital skills, so they don’t have to depend on addictive substances for relief.
Medication Management
Medication management is a vital part of addiction treatment for older people, especially those with medical issues or co-occurring mental health disorders. Our team will carefully assess your situation during the intake process and create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Many older people are on medication for chronic conditions, aging-related conditions, or for daily pain management. We take these conditions into account when an older person enters drug and alcohol rehab. Medication regimens are designed to support both physical health and recovery from addiction. Safety and well-being are our priorities.
Holistic Therapies
Lumina Recovery offers a range of holistic therapy treatments designed to enhance the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery. These range from individual therapy focusing on the mental aspects of addiction treatment to hypnotherapy, depending on the individual’s needs. We also work to help support the physical recovery process, arranging for age-appropriate exercise like yoga and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs to help older people cope with withdrawals and maintain independence as much as possible.
Why Choose Lumina Recovery for Older Adult Addiction Treatment
If you’re searching for substance abuse treatment that takes the needs of seniors into account, Lumina Recovery is here to help. Our outpatient programs and residential treatment programs are tailored to meet the needs of older adults, addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction. We create personalized treatment plans for each person who comes through our doors.
We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to help cover the cost of rehab treatment. Contact your insurance provider directly (or reach out to us) to verify your benefits and understand the extent of available coverage for alcohol and drug rehab services.
Get the Help You Need Today
Our team understands the unique challenges older adults face in confronting substance use disorders. We offer a welcoming and supportive environment where seniors can connect with others of all ages who are going through similar experiences. Lumina Recovery is dedicated to helping seniors and older adults regain control of their lives, break free from addiction, and find renewed hope and purpose.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please contact us today to learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab programs. Our treatment programs are located across the United States, and all of them feature teams of people ready to help.
Call Us Today – (877) 716-7515
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