Many baby boomers abuse alcohol after age 48 and the reasons for the increase in substance abuse:
Why is it that one of the largest increases in substance abuse is occurring with the older generation? When someone thinks of substance abuse, he usually gets the idea of the wild teenager abusing drugs and alcohol at parties or the addict in his 20s or 30s who has let his life decline to a point where drugs are now the only answer. One generally does not think about someone his mothers or grandmothers age abusing drugs and alcohol. Yet this age bracket has one of the largest increases in drug and alcohol abuse.
Currently the number of people over the age of 50 who are being treated for substance abuse is dramatically rising.
Alcohol is one of the largest problems for this group, which per a recent U.S. survey cites depression or anxiety to be the main reasons these “baby boomers” say they abuse alcohol or other drugs.
A survey by the Hanley Center found other factors such as economic stress, financial stress and retirement as having an influence on these groups rapidly increasing use of alcohol and other drugs. Nearly half of the respondents to the survey named alcohol or prescription drugs as their substances of choice.
“Older adults face a distinct set of challenges as they enter their golden years,” Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director of Hanley Center, said in a statement. “This transitional period of life is unique and leads to difficulty in dealing with stressful situations, such as an early retirement or financial strains, which in turn may lead to serious anxiety and depression. Without the proper tools to manage their emotions, older adults turn to quick fixes such as alcohol and drugs, creating the perfect storm for dependency.”
The survey, conducted anonymously among Hanley Center alumni, showed:
— That 79 percent of adults 48 and older said their first experience with drugs/alcohol occurred before the age of 25, 40 percent said they considered themselves to be substance abusers after the age 48.
— That more than 90 percent of respondents named alcohol as one of the substances they abused; 49.5 percent of respondents reported prescription drug abuse.
— That more than 40 percent of respondents said their families influenced their decision to seek treatment.
Narconon Drug Addiction And Solutions For The Problem
With the increase in substance abuse amongst baby boomers growing as it is, there needs to be a permanent solution to help these people get their lives under control according to Narconon drug addiction treatment centers.
Narconon drug addiction treatment is a solution to this problem. Statistically, the Narconon drug addiction program can achieve a 76% success rate for permanent sobriety and is a long-term rehabilitation program that lasts 4-6 months and could be longer depending on the individual needs of the person or BA. Narconon is also drug free and lasts 4-6 months. The facility accepts most major insurances and has financing options for older adults that will allow them to get help for an alcohol or drug problem.
The Narconon drug addiction facility is in a safe and serene environment and provides the highest level of care available. With 7 out of 10 graduates successfully completing the treatment, the program has been getting results since the 1960s.
If you know of someone who is struggling with substance abuse and you want to help them get their life back on track, call for Narconon drug addiction for help today at 800-468-6933.
References: