An increase in the number of older Americans reporting problems with substance abuse is becoming more common. Between 1992 and 2008, admissions to treatment programs more than doubled in the United States for adults over the age of 50. Public health experts believe that number will unfortunately continue to grow as the population continues to age.
"There is a level of societal denial around the issue," said Peter Provet, the director of Odyssey House in New York, a treatment center offering targeted programs for seniors. "No one wants to look at their grandparent, no one wants to think about their grandparent or their elderly parent, and see that person as an
addict."
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 231,200 people over 50 sought treatment for drug and alcohol addiction in 2008. This was an increase from 102,700 people over the age of 50 in 1992. In 2008, older adults made up for about one of every eight Americans seeking treatment for
drug and alcohol addiction. This has resulted in that age demographic having doubled their admissions to treatment centers, while other age demographics have decreased.
Experts believe that the increase is explained, in part, because the aging baby boomer generation has developed a problem with drugs and alcohol over many years.
"The baby boom population has some experience with substance misuse and is more comfortable with these substances," said Dr. Westley Clark, the director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's center on substance abuse treatment.
