Depending on your age, it may be hard to think of your mom, your dad, or even grandma or grandpa as an aging addict. But while many think of addiction as an affliction of youth, drug and alcohol abuse is a growing and disturbing trend among those over 50 or those considered the “young older adult.”
“Traditional” older adults (those over 65) are more likely to suffer from alcoholism or prescription medication addiction, but a different pattern is being noted in age 50-plus, or “young older adult” addiction. According to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study, illicit drug use by people in their 50s increased by more than 50% – and patients in their mid-60s are being treated for heroin and cocaine addictions. As Baby Boomers age, more are turning to illicit drugs the same drugs they turned to in their 20s.
Demographers define Boomers as someone born between 1946 and 1964, who came of age in the permissive 1960s and 70s. This segment has the largest household income of any age group, and a divorce rate that is three times higher than their parents. In addition to their demand for quick and easy solutions, fast service and instant relief, many Boomers are confident they will continue to be “younger” at an older age. They believe “50 is the new 30” and many believe that death can be delayed until well past the age of 100. Boomers live in the age of “quick fixes” where all their problems can be “fixed” with plastic surgery or a new pill. And, unlike todays older adults who tend not to question authority, Boomers do and will continue to do so. Boomers have called their own shots since the 1960s and they have a strong need to be heard, and difficulty relinquishing control.
According to Carol Colleran, Hanley Centers executive vice president of public policy and national affairs, “it is the right time for all of us in this field to start looking at where we are going and what changes, if any, we need to consider.” Colleran is the pioneer who understood the specialized needs of the older adult and has been compiling data that confirms the need to develop Baby Boomer-specific substance abuse treatment programs.
In January 2009, Hanley Center will introduce a new Baby Boomer-specific program targeted to the traditional Baby Boomer but also to the “young older adult” which can include someone as young as 42 and up to 64 years of age.
As part of on-going research into this and other addiction treatment issues, Hanley Center has initiated a landmark five-year program to explore the science of dependency. This revolutionary project brings together research partners from the University of Miamis Miller School of Medicine and its Comprehensive Drug Research Center, epidemiologist Dr. Karen Dodge of the Palm Beach County Public Health Department, and researchers from the Scripps Research Institutes Jupiter campus.
Results from this five-year Substance Abuse Treatment Outcome research project will lead to more effective treatment models, define what is recovery and validate outcomes that are dependent on certain interventions, including a continuum of care for this disease. Working collaboratively with these impressive and respected South Florida research organizations, we will use the science that is being generated, to serve the needs of individuals and our communities. This will reinforce Hanley Centers standing as a respected leader within the substance abuse treatment industry.
