Getting Sober in Your Senior Years: 6 Ways It’s Different

The 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 7.1 million adults aged 60 and older experienced a substance use disorder in the past year.¹ More specifically, 4.4% of this population had an alcohol use disorder and 3.2 million had a drug use disorder.¹ 

With about 1 in 25 older adults experiencing a drug use disorder, it is imperative to remember that addiction can affect anyone at any age.¹ If you are approaching older age or are elderly, identifying and understanding the uniquities of getting sober at this stage in life is the key to success in your recovery.

6 Ways Getting Sober in Your Senior Years is Different

Getting sober in your senior years can be a lot more challenging than if you were getting sober at a younger age simply because there are elements of being elderly that can influence your recovery. Read on to learn more how sobriety in your senior years is different.

1. Managing Medications

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists reports that on average, those ages 65-69 are prescribed 15 medications a year, while those 80-84 are prescribed around 20.² These medications, which are likely taken daily or on an as needed basis, do not account for any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc. that people in this age group may be taking at the same time. In many instances, combining over-the-counter medications or supplements with prescription medications can do more harm than good.³  

Therefore, it is important to help older individuals who are trying to get sober to properly manage their medications, including any that they may need to add to their regimen as part of their addiction treatment. Depending on their cognitive, physical, and psychological abilities (among several other factors), that may mean they will need in-home care or to go to an assisted living home. 

2. Challenging Deeply-Rooted Behavioral Patterns

For many, getting older means becoming more set in their ways, meaning that they lose the desire and/or ability to make changes in their overall functioning. Outdated and ineffective behavioral patterns can be extremely difficult to break for a variety of reasons, however it can make the process of recovery more of a challenge. Historically speaking, younger generations have shown greater tendency to make behavioral adaptations, which often allows for a steadier recovery experience.

3. Balancing Chronic Conditions and Illness 

Research shows that individuals between the ages of 60 and 79 have the most chronic illnesses and multimorbidities than any other age group in the country.⁴ When trying to get sober, common conditions for elderly individuals like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia tend to influence the recovery process.⁵ While chronic conditions can occur for several reasons, elderly individuals who are in recovery are more likely to have turned to drugs or alcohol to cope with a health problem or they developed a health problem as a result of their substance use. This intertwinement can be difficult to untangle, especially while trying to maintain good overall health. 

4. Experiencing Social Challenges

Social support has proven to improve abstinence and treatment compliance, allowing for better outcomes.⁶ However, as individuals get older, their abilities to remain socially active can become compromised due to socioeconomic factors, decreased physical activity, obstacles with transportation, and health problems.⁷ Social obstacles such as these can be detrimental to long-term success, making recovery more of a challenge.⁶

5. Having Different Motivations 

Since the elderly population faces challenges specific to their age and abilities, their recovery is often motivated by different factors than other age groups. For example, these factors tend to include staying independent, maintaining and/or improving their physical health conditions, and building upon the legacy they will leave behind. These motivators carry significant weight and often serve as strong catalysts for remaining sober. Conversely, some individuals may struggle with issues such as depression caused by the challenges of elderly life, which can impact their desire to get sober and their general will to live healthy.  

6. Feeling Lost in Retirement 

Most elderly people find themselves retiring at some point later on in life, which can be viewed as a long-awaited reward for many. However, some elderly individuals find themselves struggling with a sense of loss when they retire. They may have difficulty finding their purpose in life or feeling financially secure as they try to shape their new daily lives.⁸ Factors such as these can contribute to a decrease in mental health, which can lead to the misuse of drugs or alcohol. They can also be relapse triggers for those who are sober already.

Senior Addiction Treatment

If you’re a senior struggling with drug or alcohol misuse, help is available. Addiction is treatable and several types of rehab for seniors can help you stop using substances and live a happier, healthier life.

Treatment may start with a period of medical detox to help rid the body of substances as comfortably and safely as possible. Following detox, inpatient rehab and/or outpatient rehab can help address the underlying causes of addiction. Many facilities offer specialized rehab for elderly individuals that are designed with this population in mind and prioritize their unique needs.

Paying for Alcohol and Drug Rehab for Seniors

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates insurance plans provided in the Marketplace provide coverage for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, which means you can use your insurance to cover the cost of treatment. American Addiction Centers facilities are in-network with many insurance providers and Medicare. To find out what your insurance plan covers, call your provider and ask for specific coverage information. You can also verify your insurance in just minutes online.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask treatment facilities about grants, loans, and sliding scales.

Find Addiction Rehab for Seniors Near Me

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, there are several ways to find senior addiction treatment near you. We invite you to use our rehab directory, which allows you to search for rehabs and filter by insurance accepted, location, and type of care.

If you need help or have questions about treatment, contact a caring and compassionate admissions navigator at . It’s confidential and free, and there is no obligation to enter treatment.