Older Adults Recovery Services
Providing specialized care for alcohol, medication, and other drug-abuse concerns to adults 55 and older

Breaking the Cycle

The abuse of alcohol, medications and other drugs deprives older adults of the pleasures of being a grandparent, travel, good health, leisure time, and independence. Older adults can be successfully treated for substance abuse. In fact, they have the highest rate of success.

Specialized Care

The Older Adults Recovery Services are FREE to adults 55 years and older and to their family members. We respect cultural and economic diversity.

Our staff, professionals in alcoholism/addiction treatment and gerontology, provides confidential, specialized care for those whose lives have been affected by alcohol, medication or drug problems. Our goal is to help older adults improve the quality of their lives.

Services
Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation is conducted to assess the level of care and services needed.

Individual Counseling
Clients receive regular 1:1 sessions as determined in their treatment plan.

Family/Significant Other Counseling
Help for those who care for the client and want to provide support and improve the family environment.

Group Counseling
Stabilization and Early Recovery Group
Relapse Prevention & Balanced Living Group
Telephone Recovery Support Group

Interventions
Facilitated by professionals in a respectful and caring manner.

Outreach Clinical Services
All aspects of substance abuse treatment services are provided in homes, hospitals, and assisted-living facilities to those who are unable to travel to our treatment sites.

Prevention
Presentations to older adults and community groups on topics including "Using your Medications Wisely," "Coping with Life's Transitions," "Improving your Quality of Life," and "Humor Your Stress."

Workshops and in-service trainings for professionals on topics including "Alcohol and Medication Use/Abuse among Older Adults," and "Identifying, Intervening and Referring Older Adults at Risk."

"I don't have to be ashamed of myself, I learned it was a disease." -- DJ

"I never knew alcohol was affecting my physical health so much.
The interaction with the medication was making me fall." -- AD

"Being with people my own age, I realized I wasn't alone.
I could learn from them and share with them. I got better." -- HK

Alcohol & Aging Facts

• Older adults experience alcohol more intensely because of a slower metabolism. They can become dependent on small amounts of alcohol -- especially if they are taking medicine or have physical problems that impair the body's functioning.
• Alcohol may intensify, lessen, or negate the effectiveness of prescription medications. The combination of alcohol and some medications can create significant and even fatal medical complications.
• Older adults sometimes use alcohol and/or sleep medications to help them sleep which can lead to significant problems. Alcohol inhibits normal brain chemistry, adding to sleep disturbances.
• Alcohol contributes to diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and heart trouble. It irritates the entire digestive system.
• The stresses of aging, adjustment to retirement, loss, and financial worries can cause depression. Alcohol is a depressant and increases feelings of sadness.
• The use and abuse of other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates and painkillers in order to cope with stress and problems are increasing with older adults.
• The bottom line: "Is alcohol or other substance use helping or hurting the quality of life in family relationships, physical abilties, emotional health, social relationships and recreational activities?