Alcohol Rehab Programs See An Increase In The Number Of Seniors

With the Baby Boomer generation aging, more alcohol rehab programs across the country are finding their services in demand from this demographic. It is hard to imagine, but seniors are struggling with alcohol addiction and account for almost 60 percent of the people seeking treatment each year.

According to a recent article published by the Associated Press, the number of admissions to alcohol detox and alcohol rehab programs has doubled between the years of 1992 and 2008. Experts expect this rising trend to continue as the Baby Boomer generation grows older. This presents some unique challenges for alcohol rehab programs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that one of every eight older adults in the United States sought help for drug and alcohol addiction in 2008.

One center in New York City is offering substance abuse treatment programs designed specifically for seniors.

“There is a level of societal denial around the issue. No one wants to look at their grandparent, no one wants to think about their grandparent or their elderly parent, and see that person as an addict,” said Peter Provet, President and CEO of Odyssey House.

Many of these seniors have struggled for years with alcohol abuse, and reach a point in their lives where they recognize they need to get help for their disease. The next logical step would be to find a quality alcohol detox and alcohol rehab program. It is important to select an alcohol rehab program with an experienced medical staff, because it is common for seniors to have multiple medical problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. All of these are chronic medical conditions that require daily medications and monitoring, and an alcohol rehab and alcohol detox program needs to provide that round-the-clock attention.

It is possible for seniors to regain their health and start the recovery from alcohol addiction. The social stigma of the disease should not prevent anyone, regardless of their chronological age, from seeking quality treatment at an alcohol rehab.