Generally, drug and alcohol detox is the first step in the addiction treatment or rehab process. After an initial evaluation, a patient can expect to spend 7-10 days in drug and alcohol detox. Detoxification is the process of ridding the body of toxic substances to fully embrace the treatment. Physical withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, even lethal in the most severe cases. Detoxification can be medically supervised, especially for substance abuse in the elderly.

Inpatient treatment programs offer the benefit of 24/7 quality care for admitted patients. These programs are vital for those with moderate to severe cases of addiction. Inpatient rehabilitation can also be beneficial for those with a history of previous attempts at sobriety. Therapy services, such as individual therapy and group counseling, are used to treat the underlying causes of substance abuse in the elderly.

Residential rehab can last up to 30, 60, and 90+ days. The cost of an inpatient treatment program will be determined by a variety of factors. Inpatient care entails a mission to create a safe, trigger-free environment for patients.

Outpatient addiction treatment programs are a flexible and cost-effective approach to addiction recovery. If you can’t commit to an inpatient treatment program, outpatient treatment could be for you. An outpatient treatment program allows people with less severe circumstances to have the flexibility of living at home, going to school, work, and other activities while still attending treatment sessions. With individual and group therapy offered, a patient can use psychotherapy as a gateway to relieve their symptoms. Other amenities, such as holistic, art, and music therapy, could be offered in outpatient treatment programs.

The average length of an outpatient program is 30 days. The reduced medical supervision could be useful for those with mild to moderate cases of addiction. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are more structured yet provide flexibility. Education about addiction and employment training can guide the patient towards healthier coping skills to practice in the real world.

Dual diagnosis treatment can be effective in treating substance abuse in the elderly. Co-occurring disorders are classified as a combination of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Considering that substance use disorders produce mental health symptoms and vice versa, treating both is crucial for the livelihood of patient.

An alarming portion of recovering individuals have a co-occurring disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment is a fairly recent practice in the healthcare industry. It was previously understood to treat each disorder separately. The change in outlook towards treating both has been a key benefit in maintaining sobriety.

Medication-assisted treatment can be vital in maintaining sobriety in older adults. Older adults are often prescribed medication to treat health issues such as chronic pain or mental health symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment is carried out with trained medical staff to alleviate your symptoms. After an evaluation of your medical history, your medications will be a supportive addition to the other medical services you receive.

Case management is a nuanced approach to receiving assistance for substance abuse in the elderly. This is conducted through a counselor or social worker who provides detailed outlines for recovery, typically by providing resources. A case manager will seek to understand your case and initiate recovery goals for you.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals are an efficient way to project your addiction treatment. Case management has been used to treat mental health cases, but it works well with other behavioral health disorders. Case management can be a discreet option.

There is no maximum age limit, as our facility accepts adults of all ages, including seniors. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our specialized senior program is designed to address the unique physical and psychological needs of older adults. Therefore, seeking help is a viable and encouraged option for seniors struggling with addiction.

Talk to a senior about their addiction by expressing concern with empathy, respect, and a focus on their health and well-being. It is important to choose a calm, private time for the conversation and to use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory. Offering your support and having information ready about specialized senior rehab options can make the discussion more productive.

Substance use in the elderly is often used as a coping mechanism or way to self-medicate.  The following risk factors are influential in causing dependency and addiction in older adults:

• Grief
• Financial loss
• Mental illness
• Social withdrawal
• Chronic pain or illness
• Lack of a support system
• An avoidance coping style

Some elderly individuals have been using substances for years, with the long-term effects becoming present with age.

Senior rehab typically lasts rangetypically laststo 90 days, depending on the individual’s needs. The exact duration is determined by the severity of the addiction, the senior’s physical and mental health, and their treatment progress. Many benefit from longer-term programs or step-down options like sober living to ensure a stable recovery.

Medicare could cover all or most of senior addiction treatment. It’s recommended to contact the addiction rehab center from which you intend to receive treatment. It’s best to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine what’s best for you. Certain facilities have guidelines for what forms of payment or insurance are covered. Our admissions team can help you verify your insurance benefits so you understand the exact cost of your rehab program.