Late onset alcohol and drug addiction is quickly becoming a prevalent problem that poses many new problems to addiction treatment specialists. A recent study from SAMHSA, for example, reported that drug use is continuing well into the later years of life.
Older addicts fall into one of two groups–the older addict and the young older addict (i.e. the baby boomer).
The baby boomer addict represents a significant challenge both in their sheer number and the complexity of their treatment and addiction requirements. Studies have shown that, between 2003 and 2005, illicit drug use among those aged over 50 years increased by more than 60%. It is estimated that there will be 4.4 million older addicts by 2020, versus the 1.7 million in 2001.
Each generation of addict poses their own challenges, requiring their own addiction treatment model. The older addict, for example, mostly abuse alcohol or prescription medications (often accidentally) and require a much slower-paced treatment process that considers the demographic-specific values, taboos, moral judgments, and worldviews. This generation holds a disdain for illicit drugs and users; respects and trusts authority; prides itself on handling one’s own problems, often privately and alone; and was never taught to express their feelings freely. Peer group therapies are ideal for this group for both treatment and ongoing sobriety.
The baby boomer generation, on the other hand, has spent their life pursuing youth and happiness, resorting to quick fixes for pleasure and problem alike. The Me Generation, baby boomers grew up with a distinct distrust for authority, rebelling against both their parent’s generation and the establishment as a whole, while freely experimenting with marijuana and psychedelic drugs. Beyond their generational values, baby boomers are facing unique emotional issues, such as death of a spouse and retirement, as well as the physical issues that come with aging, such as hormonal changes.
Treating baby boomer addicts often requires a dual diagnosis–addiction in conjunction with, most commonly, depression and anxiety. They also often poly-addict alcohol or illicit drugs with easily-available prescription medications. Because of this, baby boomer addicts require a medically-based holistic treatment program.
The baby boomer makes decisions based on choice, requiring treatment providers to work closely with their clients when designing treatment plans, while being clear that there are no quick fixes in addiction treatment. Due to these unique and specific generational characteristics and attitude towards alcohol and drug addiction treatment, a personalized addiction treatment program that is holistic in scope, such as the residential treatment programs provided by Heritage Home, is ideal.
Sources: The New York Times, Aging Well Magazine