A rather large segment of the American population – the Baby Boomers – will soon be semi or fully retired. That fact will impact demand on things like health care and pharmacy. It may also impact demand for substance abuse treatment. A recent article in the professional journal Addiction finds a growing trend of alcohol and substance abuse among our senior citizens.
Millions of Seniors Affected
According to the report there are currently 2.8 million senior (over age 50) adults in this country abusing alcohol. By 2020, experts predict that number will reach 5.7 million. And the number of older adults with diagnosable alcohol abuse has been climbing steadily since at least 1992. Further, while most older people turn to alcohol for self-medication, six percent abused illicit drugs in 2013.
Why Seniors Struggle
The later years of life are filled with many changes, not all of them welcome. Retirement can mean the loss of identity for many who feel that who they are was tied up in their career. It also can mean a change in economic status. Combine that with deteriorating physical strength and wellness and the frequent loss of friendships either through death or moves to be nearer adult children.
But a senior doesn’t have to intentionally adopt alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism. As the body ages, its ability to metabolize slows down considerably. This means that the few drinks which were no trouble in a person’s 30s or 40s can be too much when they are 50, 60, 70 or older. A drinking problem can develop just because a person doesn’t understand the affects of alcohol on their body as they age.
It’s Not Too Late
If an older adult in your life is trapped in alcohol abuse, it’s not too late for things to change. Many seniors in their 60s and 70s have engaged in rehab treatment and overcome addiction to alcohol or prescription drugs. Call us at Family Guidance Center today and ask how we can help you intervene in a loved one’s life and end the abuse. Sometimes, the strong voice of a loved one is what it takes to turn things around.
