Understanding the Growing Impact of Addiction in Adults Over 65
As our loved ones age into their sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond, we often imagine peaceful retirements filled with family, travel, and relaxation. What we don’t often picture is addiction quietly taking root among older adults. Yet today, substance use and overdose rates among adults over 65 are rising sharply.
A recent news article highlights the deadly consequences of mixing substances, particularly for those with chronic health conditions. Adults over 65+ face unique risks that often go unnoticed until tragedy strikes. At Temecula Recovery Center, we believe it’s time to bring this crisis into the open — and offer treatment that truly fits the needs of this age group.
A Growing and Under-Recognized Problem
Research shows that substance use disorders (SUDs) in older adults are becoming an increasingly prevalent public-health concern, particularly as the 65+ population grows.
This increase is fueled by several interconnected factors:
- Chronic pain and prescription use: Many seniors are prescribed opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids, which can lead to dependence over time.
- Social isolation and loss: Retirement, bereavement, and loneliness can create emotional voids that some attempt to fill with alcohol or drugs.
- Physical vulnerability: The body’s ability to process substances declines with age, making even small doses more dangerous.
- Stigma and underdiagnosis: Addiction in older adults is often overlooked or mistaken for aging symptoms like confusion or forgetfulness.
The result is a hidden epidemic — one that demands awareness and compassionate intervention.
Signs of Addiction in Older Adults
Because addiction can look different in this population, it’s important to know what to watch for:
- Frequent “accidental” falls or unexplained injuries
- Mixing alcohol with prescription medications
- Changes in sleep, memory, or appetite
- Withdrawing from family or social activities
- Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions
If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to talk openly and without judgment. Compassionate conversations are often the first step toward recovery.
The Importance of Specialized Treatment for Adults 65 and Older
Addiction in older adulthood comes with unique challenges that require careful, compassionate attention. As people age, physical health, emotional well-being, and social connections all play a larger role in recovery. Treatment for this group must take these factors into account to ensure safety, comfort, and lasting healing.
At Temecula Recovery Center, our approach to care for adults 65 and older is built around three core principles. As part of Generations Healthcare, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, person-centered support to ensure that every client receives care rooted in both medical excellence and genuine understanding.
- Medical safety and supervision: Older adults often take multiple prescriptions and may experience chronic health issues. Close medical oversight during detox and throughout recovery ensures that treatment is both safe and effective.
- Emotional healing and connection: Many clients in this age group are navigating major life changes such as retirement, grief, or loneliness. Therapy that addresses these emotional layers can be just as vital as managing the substance use itself.
- Whole-person wellness: Recovery after 65 is not just about abstaining from substances. It’s about restoring quality of life—building physical strength, social engagement, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Temecula Recovery Center is committed to delivering care that respects each person’s stage of life and personal journey.
The Urgency of Specialized Care
The combination of aging, chronic health issues, and substance misuse creates a perfect storm. Older adults who develop substance use disorders face higher hospitalization rates, faster physical decline, and greater mortality risk. Yet many treatment programs are still designed around younger adults.
Temecula Recovery Center is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between medical rehabilitation and long-term addiction recovery. This collaboration allows clients to receive seamless, medically informed care that supports both physical healing and emotional growth, ensuring they are supported through every stage of recovery.
Hope and Healing at Any Age
Recovery doesn’t have an age limit. Many older adults find that entering treatment gives them a renewed sense of life, purpose, and peace. Whether it’s alcohol misuse, prescription drug dependence, or co-occurring mental health issues, help is available and healing is possible.
At Temecula Recovery Center, our experienced medical and clinical teams provide the specialized support older adults need to recover safely and rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you love is over 65 and struggling with substance use, reach out today. You don’t have to face this alone.
Connect with Temecula Recovery Center, part of the Generations Healthcare family, to learn more about our programs or to speak with a specialist about treatment options designed for you.
