Orange County, CA Senior & Older Adults Addiction Treatment Center

Older adults have specific risk factors for drug and alcohol abuse. These can include:

• Retirement: It’s something most of us dream about, but retirement can leave some of us with sudden feelings of confusion about our place in the world or lack of purpose. Feeling lost or lonely in retirement or dealing with financial struggles leads some to turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort.
• Health problems/chronic pain: Older individuals are more likely to struggle with at least one chronic health condition, whether it’s arthritis, cancer, or diabetes. Prescription drugs, especially opioids and benzodiazepines, come with risks. What starts out as normal, prescribed use can escalate into addiction or dependence.
• Isolation and loneliness: For many people, work is a primary source of social contact. These contacts can fade away after retirement, and it can be hard to recreate networks of friends built up over a lifetime. Some people may cope with feelings of loneliness or isolation by drinking more or taking prescription pills or other substances to numb the pain.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Older adults often struggle with sleep issues. Some may turn to alcohol, sleeping pills, or the over-the-counter remedies. But these substances can have harmful effects and lead to dependency, especially when taken long term.
• Grief: It’s inevitable that we’ll lose friends and family members as we grow older. Seniors who don’t have the right support groups or coping skills to deal with loss may turn to substances to ease the pain.