Addiction Rehab for Seniors and Elderly

Nearly 1 million US adults aged 65 and older struggle with a a substance use disorder (SUD), commonly known as addiction.¹ This segment of the population typically faces unique struggles involving substance misuse and addiction. Addicted can be treated and rehab for older adults can yield positive results.

Understanding the unique challenges that older adults face when struggling with addiction, how specialized treatment can help, and how to find specialized treatment for older adults can be important for achieving recovery.

Addiction in the Elderly

Alcohol misuse is the most common reason why older adults enter addiction treatment.¹ Marijuana and use of opioids, including heroin, has also increased among this population.¹ Some might consider substance misuse as an issue that adolescents and young adults grapple with, but aging brings unique stressors, physical health changes, and transitions in social roles that can increase the risk of SUDs.¹ Older adults have cited loneliness, partner illness, and loss of independence as reasons for drinking alcohol.²

Aging also brings about physiological changes. Older adults metabolize substances more slowly than younger people do, which means that their brains and organs are more sensitive to the effects.¹ Further, many older adults take prescription medications that don’t interact well with alcohol, which can lead to higher blood-alcohol concentration and health problems such as liver toxicity, gastrointestinal issues, sedation, and lower efficacy of medications.³

In addition to physiological changes, older adults are also more likely to experience mood disorders, memory problems, and lung and heart issues, and substance use can worsen conditions.¹ Further, drugs and alcohol can slow down reaction time and reduce coordination, which can lead to accidents—injuries from falls are a greater health risk for older adults than younger ones and usually involve lengthier recovery times.¹ What’s more, family and friends may think that falls or injuries are related to the person’s advanced age, when these accidents may actually be masking substance misuse.

While it may seem easy for someone age 65 and older to hide their substance misuse, some signs of addiction are difficult to ignore.

Signs of Addiction in Older Adults

Addiction can affect people of all ages, not just adolescents and young adults. Due to stressors that present later in life, such as forced retirement, reduced income, and grief and loss, an older person may turn to substances as a coping mechanism, whether they have a history of SUD or not.¹

Mental health and addiction treatment professionals use the following criteria to diagnose an SUD:⁴

• Using the substance for a longer time or in higher amounts than originally intended
• Not being able to stop or control substance use despite a desire to do so
• Continuing to use the substance despite it causing problems in relationships
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance
• Not fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home due to substance use
• Continuing to use the substance despite it causing or exacerbating a physical or psychological condition
• Continuing to use the substance in risky situations, such as driving
• Abandoning other activities to make time for substance use
• Experiencing cravings or a strong desire to use the substance
• Developing tolerance to the substance, needing to take it in greater amounts to feel the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal if substance use is abruptly stopped or significantly reduced

For an SUD diagnosis, 2 of the above criteria must be present during a 12-month period.⁴ However, if even 1 criterion is present, professional help can assist in addressing the reasons for use and preventing the issue from worsening.

Senior Addiction Treatment

Just as behavioral therapies and pharmacological treatments have been successful in treating SUDs in younger populations, they have proven effective in treating older adults, too.¹ While research on the best specific model of care is ongoing, longer treatment durations tend to yield better results for the senior population.¹ An ideal treatment scenario addresses co-occurring conditions and provides case management services, including access to medical care and rebuilding support networks.¹

As with any demographic, effective SUD treatment for older adults also includes clinician understanding of diversity, including varying attitudes about substance use.⁵ For example, adults born during World War II may have beliefs toward substance use that were shaped by their parents, who grew up during the Prohibition era. These older adults may feel shame about their use and be less likely to report it.⁵ By contrast, baby boomers born after World War II and into the early 1960s may have more relaxed attitudes about substance use and may be more likely to talk about it.⁵

Given that issues and attitudes in older adulthood can mask substance misuse, consulting with providers and being screened is important.⁵

There is a continuum of care and the type of treatment best suited for someone depends on their unique situation and needs. The main levels of care can be placed into the following 4 categories:⁵

• Medical detoxification (detox). Detox is the process by which the body rids itself of harmful substances..⁶ Many may choose to undergo detox in a medically-managed setting. This helps to make withdrawal safer and more comfortable as providers work to wean the body off of the substance as well as administer medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms.⁶ It is important to note that detox is not treatment, but rather, it stabilizes the person in preparation for treatment.⁶
• Inpatient treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment involves living at the treatment facility and receiving care and support 24/7, making it best suited for someone with severe addiction or co-occurring conditions.⁷
• Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment involves living at home and commuting to the treatment facility. There are 2 main forms of outpatient treatment: partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment.⁷ PHP is suited for someone who has a more severe addiction but does not need round-the-clock care, receiving 20 or more hours of treatment per week.⁷ IOP treatment, by contrast, is less intensive, requiring 9 or more hours of treatment per week.⁷ Oftentimes, IOPs schedule meeting times in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate those who need to attend work or school on weekdays.⁷
• Aftercare services. Aftercare services take place after rehab treatment is complete and help sustain the progress made to prevent relapse.⁷ Examples include peer support meetings, 12-Step groups, individual therapy, and group therapy.⁷

No matter the level of care needed, there are various options for paying for treatment.

Paying for Senior Addiction Treatment

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded healthcare, making it easier for people to seek treatment for certain conditions. This includes requiring health insurance plans to cover medically necessary mental health and SUD treatment.⁸ It may also be possible to use Medicare to help pay for substance use treatment. Costs typically vary depending on the specific insurance plan.⁹

Find a Senior Addiction Treatment Rehab Near You

It is never too late to seek treatment. Seeking rehab for older adults can yield positive outcomes, helping you or someone you love reduce or stop use and improve health and quality of life.⁵

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has several rehab facilities for seniors. They are:

• River Oaks Treatment Center in Riverview, Fla.
• Recovery First Treatment Center in Hollywood, Fla.
• Oxford Treatment Center in Etta, Miss.
• Greenhouse Treatment Center in Grand Prairie, Texas.
• Laguna Treatment Center in Alisa Viejo, Calif.
• Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
• AdCare Hospital in Worcester, Mass.
• AdCare Rhode Island, with 4 locations in this state.

You can use our treatment directory to locate an AAC rehab center by entering a keyword or location. You can also call our addiction helpline at with questions related to addiction and treatment, and an admissions navigator can help you verify insurance benefits.

Begin the recovery journey for yourself, or help someone you love get started. Call us today at . We are available 24/7 to help you.