Surprising Rise In Senior Citizen Alcohol And Drug Addiction Rehab In Cambridge

Drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction does not discriminate. It can affect people of any race, gender, and even age. Everyone experiences stress, loss, pain, heartache, failure, frustration, depression, and anxiety now and then and many people use drugs or alcohol to help them cope. While this does not make it ok to use drugs and alcohol, it is understandable. However, a recent statistic shows that narcotics rehabilitation is on the rise for people aged 55 and older in Massachusetts with nearly 5,000 admissions in 2007. This is almost 1,500 more than the decade prior, raising concern among centers for addiction rehab in Cambridge.

Retirement should be a time to celebrate lifes successes, ponder its remaining mysterious, and enjoy time with loved ones. Sadly, though, this is not true for many senior citizens who find themselves overtaken by drugs or alcohol. Alcohol abuse is, somewhat obviously, the most common probably because it is the most accessible. It is also something that is familiar, as many people who consume alcohol as they reach the twilight years began drinking much earlier. Obviously, this is part of treatment offered for addiction rehab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is also aware of the need to treat other drugs as well.

What is perhaps most alarming, though, is that heroin use is also on the rise. In fact, it may be the fastest growing substance being used and abused by seniors in Massachusetts. According to the same statistic, heroin use was reported to have grown by 283% from 1997 to 2007. While this is indeed very disturbing no matter the age or community, it would be wise to consider that the introduction of prescription opioid pain killers may be part of the reason. Of course, abuse of the prescription drugs is also a good reason for someone to check into addiction rehab in Cambridge.

Although these numbers are quite shocking, it should be reassuring that addiction rehab in Cambridge can be very successful. Fortunately, there are many programs available to assist people who are dealing with drug and alcohol abuse and addictions. There are even programs that can help people who are affected by someone elses abuse. These programs are designed to educate users as well as family and friends about the dangers of short term and long term use and help those suffering to obtain the tools they need to be successful in recovery.

Recovery can be a very long and sometimes even painful process, even with the best addiction rehab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Success in recovery greatly depends on the willingness of the patient to overcome their own shortcomings; but it is also reliant on family and friends to be as supportive, forgiving, and patient as possible to help their loved one realize that they can have a better life. Indeed, many people who do recover from substance abuse and addiction will profess that they are happier being healthy and with regaining the respect and adoration of the important people in their lives.