Addressing drug abuse in baby boomers

Addressing Drug Abuse in Baby Boomers

Drug abuse habits are following baby boomers as they age. The most significant concerns for this age group are prescription drug use and binge drinking. However, doctors mostly overlook the occurrence of drug and alcohol abuse in this population, as routine screenings for substance abuse are not typically carried out. This could contribute to the problem because health issues and pain make it more likely for a baby boomer to be prescribed opiates and other addictive drugs. Opiate addiction and binge drinking are common reasons why baby boomers seek treatment from Orange County rehab centers.

Binge Drinking and Drug Use in Baby Boomers According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2012, baby boomers over 65 years of age had a binge drinking rate of 8.2 percent. The rate for heavy drinking was 2 percent. It was also found that recreational drug use in adults between 50 and 64 years of age had increased in the previous 10 years.

The survey predictedthat the number of adults over the age of 50 who will need to turn to drug and alcohol treatment, such as that offered in Orange County rehab centers, will hit an astounding 5.7 million by the year 2020.

This is based on a 2002-2006 figure of nearly 3 million people needing drug and alcohol treatment.

A Growing Epidemic While the level of drug use that occurs in the older generation is not as prevalent as in the younger generations, drug abuse is dangerous for them because they may be taking other medications that can interact with alcohol or illicit drugs. Among those 65 years and older that were surveyed,

19.3 percent of them said they had used illicit drugs in their lifetimes.

However, over 47 percent of those between the ages of 60 and 64 had used illicit drugs. The number is over 50 percent for those between the ages of 20 and 50. The most commonly used drugs included nonmedically used psychotherapeutic drugs and marijuana.

Of course, Orange County rehab centers treat addictions to many types of drugs used by baby boomers and all other populations.

Fighting Addiction in Baby Boomers Many considerations must be taken for each age group. For instance, older people suffering from chronic pain may need Vicodin to give them the quality of life they need. However, they are using a valid prescription and not taking drugs recreationally. They need the medication to function from day today.

While there are many strategies that work for each age group, Residential Drug Treatment Center California administered by Orange County rehab centers and centers around the country should be individualized. Many options can be used, so it is important for baby boomers and others suffering from drug or alcohol addiction to comply with them so they can achieve abstinence. It may not involve getting the perfect treatment at the start, but treatment programs can be adapted to the needs of the client so he or she can leave the unhealthy pattern and have a better life.