AHS Views

Finally, it’s being recognized that older adults – retirees – have serious drug problems. A new Florida drug rehab center has opened in West Palm Beach that caters to older adults. And the addicts appreciate it: “We have different health issues, different emotional issues, different grief issues,” Patrick Gallagher, a 66-year-old who was treated for a dual addiction to pain medication and alcohol, recently told reporters. Gallagher is just one of many older adults getting addiction help in similar centers around the U.S.

One of the problems with people of that age being addicted is that they often hide it from those around them. And for some, there is no one around them to speak of. They are disassociated from friends and family and feel they have no one to turn to. Consequently, they rarely get the addiction help they need.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) predicts that the problems will continue: According to a recent report, SAMHSA foresees 4.4 million older substance abusers by 2020, compared with 1.7 million in 2001. A representaive said the numbers are “likely to swamp the current system.”

In fact, the current system seems to be swamped already. If the 22 million Americans needing addiction help stepped forward to get it, the vast majority would be out of luck.

If you know of an older adult, pay special attention to their alcohol and drug habits. And if they have a problem, help them get the addiction help services they need.

Older adults