Addiction Treatment for Older Adults

Addiction is a disease that knows no age. Yet, the stigma surrounding it is often strongest among older adults. A lifetime of self-reliance and the values of a different generation can make it incredibly difficult to ask for help. This is often compounded by a profound sense of shame, isolation, and the mistaken belief that “it’s too late to change.” At the same time, substance use in this population is a hidden epidemic, often misdiagnosed as other age-related health issues. 

That is why specialized, compassionate, and dignified addiction treatment for older adults is not just a “nice to have,” but a critical, life-saving necessity.At Serenity at Summit, with our premium residential facilities in New Jersey and New England, we have created a sanctuary for individuals of all ages to heal. We understand that the needs of a 65-year-old entering treatment are profoundly different from those of a 25-year-old. Our specialized programs for older adults are designed to provide a safe, respectful, and clinically sophisticated environment that addresses the unique biological, psychological, and social challenges of this population.

The Hidden Epidemic: Understanding Addiction in Later Life

Substance use disorder among adults aged 60 and older is one of the fastest-growing public health problems in the United States. This “hidden epidemic” is often overlooked for several reasons:

• Late-Onset Addiction: While some older adults have struggled with addiction for decades, many develop it “late-onset” as a way to cope with the specific challenges of aging.
• Misdiagnosis: The symptoms of substance use—such as confusion, memory problems, falls, and depression—are often mistaken by families and even doctors as normal signs of aging or dementia.
• Isolation: Older adults are more likely to live alone and be socially isolated, making it easy to hide the extent of their drinking or prescription pill misuse.

What Triggers Late-Onset Addiction?

Understanding the “why” is the first step to compassionate treatment. Unlike in younger adults, addiction in older adults is often triggered by a cascade of life events that create overwhelming emotional and physical pain.

Common triggers include:

• Grief and Loss: The death of a spouse, a partner, or close friends can lead to profound, isolating grief.
• Retirement and Loss of Purpose: The abrupt transition from a structured career to an unstructured retirement can lead to a loss of identity, community, and purpose.
• Chronic Pain and Physical Ailments: A lifetime of physical labor or age-related health issues can lead to chronic pain. This often results in a legitimate prescription for opioid or benzodiazepine medication, which can spiral into physical dependence and addiction.
• Loneliness and Isolation: As children move away and social circles shrink, profound loneliness can set in, leading individuals to use alcohol as a companion to numb the silence.

Why Older Adults Need a Specialized Treatment Model

You cannot treat a 65-year-old with the same approach as a 25-year-old. A “one-size-fits-all” treatment model will fail them. Older adults require a specialized program that respects their life experience and addresses their unique clinical needs.

1. Medical and Physiological Needs of Older Adults

The Challenge: As we age, our bodies metabolize substances differently. Our liver and kidney function may be reduced, and we have a lower tolerance. This means that even a “normal” amount of alcohol or medication can have a much more potent and dangerous effect. Furthermore, older adults are often on multiple prescription medications for other health conditions (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes), creating a high risk of dangerous drug interactions.

The Solution: A truly specialized addiction treatment for older adults program must begin with a sophisticated, medically-managed detox. At Serenity at Summit, our detox is supervised 24/7 by licensed physicians and nurses. We understand the complexities of polysubstance use and medication management. We are equipped to safely manage withdrawal in the context of other chronic health conditions, ensuring your physical safety and comfort.

2. Psychological and Emotional Needs of Older Adults

The Challenge: The psychological drivers for addiction in older adults are different. The core issues are often unresolved grief, depression, chronic pain, and existential anxiety about aging and mortality. A program focused on “partying” and “bad choices” will not resonate.

The Solution: Our program is built on a foundation of dignity and respect. We offer a mature, respectful environment with residential clients who share similar life experiences. Our dual-diagnosis model is essential, allowing our master’s-level therapists to treat the underlying depression or trauma right alongside the addiction. Our CBT and group therapy sessions focus on relevant issues like managing grief, finding purpose in retirement, and developing non-addictive pain management strategies.

3. Social and Environmental Needs of Older Adults

The Challenge: Older adults often feel profoundly out of place in a typical rehab environment. They cannot relate to the concerns of a 20-year-old, which leads to further isolation. They also require an environment that is physically safe, comfortable, and accessible.

The Solution: Serenity at Summit is a premium facility, designed with care. Our amenities, including comfortable, private rooms and chef-prepared nutritious meals, provide a level of dignity that is crucial for our older clients. Our specialized groups for older adults ensure that you are connecting with peers who understand your life stage, allowing you to form a genuine community of support.

What Our Program for Older Adults Looks Like

When you or your loved one enters our program, you will find a plan tailored to your specific needs, combining clinical excellence with holistic comfort.

• Expert Medical Care: Our team, from physicians to 24/7 nurses, is trained to manage the complexities of aging, co-existing medical conditions, and substance withdrawal.
• Specialized Therapy Groups: You will participate in therapy groups with other individuals in your age cohort, allowing you to discuss relevant issues like grief, retirement, and family dynamics in a safe, peer-supported space.
• Holistic Therapies for Body and Mind: We integrate gentle, holistic practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and gentle yoga. These are incredibly effective at helping to manage chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia without medication, providing you with a new set of tools for self-regulation.
• Family Program Involvement: Our family program is crucial. We work with your adult children and spouses to help them understand your recovery, rebuild trust, and create a supportive and healthy home environment for your return.

It Is Never, Ever Too Late to Heal

One of the most insidious myths of addiction is that after a certain age, a person is “stuck in their ways.” This is unequivocally false. The human brain is capable of change and healing at any stage of life. Recovery in your 60s, 70s, or 80s is not only possible but also a profound opportunity to live out your golden years with clarity, connection, and peace. You do not have to be defined by your grief or your pain. You do not have to live in an alcohol-induced fog.

At Serenity at Summit, we believe in the power of recovery at every stage of life. Our addiction treatment for older adults program is a testament to that. We provide the safe, dignified, and clinically-expert environment you need to find yourself again.

If you or a loved one is struggling, please don’t wait. Contact our compassionate admissions team today. We are here 24/7 to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you find the path to a healthier, more peaceful future.