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Addiction Therapy for Seniors in Sacramento

Addiction Treatment for Seniors in Sacramento

The number of seniors in the United States is growing rapidly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2021, the United States was home to nearly 56 million people aged 65 or older. That number is expected to grow to 88 million in 2050. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports that some of the societal norms of aging have changed in recent years. For example, many people are remaining in the workforce long past the traditional retirement age of 65.

This added workload, along with other stressors and medical changes that occur later in life, can sometimes lead to substance abuse and addiction. Longstanding patterns of substance abuse may become more apparent and require addressing as people age.

Whatever the reason, there is hope for a healthier life for older adults struggling with addiction. Learn more about the reasons for seniors’ addiction, substances that cause addiction and what people can to do get help.

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How Seniors Become Addicted

Several factors can increase the likelihood of a person developing an addiction as they get older:

  • Lowered tolerance for substances: Some people can spend much of their lives drinking moderately or heavily, develop a tolerance for alcohol, and never become addicted. But aging creates physiological changes in the body that reduce its ability to process alcohol and other substances effectively. When this happens, previous levels of use may become problematic, leading to adverse health effects and addiction.
  • A prescription to painkillers: Opioid addiction often starts with prescribed pain medication. And since some seniors have chronic medical conditions or undergo surgeries such as hip or knee replacements, their doctors may prescribe them opioid medication to help with the pain. Nearly 9 in 10 adults aged 65 or older are currently using a prescription drug. Taking opioid painkillers, especially taking too high a dose if the pain is not well managed, can easily lead to addiction.
  • A change in life circumstances: Seniors may find their lives changing more rapidly than they expected. They may experience the sudden death of a spouse or close friends. They may become ill and have to leave the workplace, or they may leave the workplace of their own volition and then find that the absence of work leaves a void in their lives. In all these circumstances, seniors sometimes become depressed and may turn to illicit substances to cope with their grief.

The Substances With the Greatest Risk of Addiction

It’s common for seniors to become addicted to and need rehabilitation for a variety of substances:

  • Alcohol: One common addiction among the senior population is alcohol addiction. In 2021, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that nearly 20% of adults aged 60-64 and 11% of those over the age of 65 report to be binge drinkers.
  • Opioids: Opioids are the second most commonly abused substance among the senior population. Increased need for pain management and prescription drug use among seniors can lead to high levels of opioid painkiller use, which in turn can lead to opioid addiction. Heroin is also an opioid that quickly leads to dependence.
  • Sedatives: Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines can lead to abuse as well. Doctors may prescribe sedatives to help seniors with chronic insomnia or to help them sleep after the loss of a loved one. But overuse of these substances can lead to addiction.
  • Stimulants: Stimulants like cocaine also lead to abuse among seniors. Nostalgia for bygone party days may lead to abuse, or old, low-grade habits may grow into something more serious. Seniors may also find their energy flagging, use stimulants to stay alert and energetic, and then find that they have become addicted.
  • Marijuana: Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug, and its use has also become more socially acceptable in recent years as it becomes legal both medically and recreationally in some states. Seniors may use marijuana for medical purposes — or recreationally — and then find that they have become addicted.

How Treatment Is Different for Seniors

Senior addiction treatment differs from other types of addiction treatment in a variety of ways:

  • Additional health needs: Seniors may have specific physical and mental health needs that affect their treatment. Their addiction treatment will need to integrate with their other medical treatments to be effective.
  • Additional medical or lifestyle concerns: In addition to issues with addiction, seniors may also have other medical concerns, such as pain management, mobility issues, medication management and nutrition issues.
  • Providing for themselves and others: Seniors may also be concerned with issues such as caring for their extended families, having enough saved for retirement and maintaining their careers. Effective addiction treatment will need to accommodate these concerns.
  • Support networks: Seniors may be more actively seeking a support network of people who have undergone treatment and recovery and can share their experiences and offer guidance. They may have caregivers who need to be involved in most aspects of their treatment and recovery programs.

How DHD Treats Seniors

Diamond House Detox treats senior clients with the compassion, dignity and respect that all people deserve. During treatment, seniors can expect their care staff to take their medical concerns and well-being into account. They can expect to be treated respectfully and to receive a personalized, tailored approach that treats them like valued humans throughout the recovery process.

Diamond House also recognizes that chronic pain and co-occurring disorders may be part of seniors’ lives and intertwine with their addiction issues. We work with each client individually to address other medical issues as part of the treatment program. Our goal is to treat each client holistically and foster wellness in all aspects of life.

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What to Expect During Treatment?

The initial step of our treatment programs is typically a seven- to 10-day detoxification program at our Elk Grove facility. During this week or so, clients receive expert medical supervision as they safely rid their bodies of addictive substances. The Elk Grove facility provides a comfortable, private, relaxing setting where clients can focus on beginning the road to recovery. They will receive 24-hour monitoring from our medical staff and will also receive medication to help with withdrawal symptoms, if necessary.

Once clients are feeling stronger, they move on to our other locations in either Elk Grove or Sacramento, where they participate in intensive daily individual therapy and group therapy programs. We offer a modified residential and outpatient programs where we tailor it to the senior client’s immediate needs both physically and mentally. They will receive support, strengthen their minds, work on improving any physical needs, figure out the root causes of their substance abuse, and develop the tools they need to confront their addictions more effectively. They may also receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to identify any underlying issues that may have contributed to substance abuse.

We offer a variety of different therapies, from structured sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy to alternative sessions of sound therapy or yoga therapy. We work with each individual to figure out what forms of treatment would work best.

Get on the Road to Lifelong Recovery With Diamond House Detox

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you don’t have to be alone with it. Residential or outpatient treatment with Diamond House Detox can help. When you’re looking for addiction treatment for seniors in California, turn to us for quality, compassionate services. We are one of the top rehab centers in California, and when you come to us, we can tailor our treatment programs to your needs to make sure you get healthy and stay healthy for life.

Contact us today to get started.

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