Baby Boomers Continuing Higher Rate of Substance Abuse

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on November 1, 2013 under Addiction Trends | Comments are off for this article

The latest results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that drug and alcohol abuse is rising among the Baby Boomer generation. The age group refers to people born between 1946 and 1964, which was after World War II.

Adults between the ages of 50 and 64 have seen an increase in illicit drug use over the past decade. The rate for those aged 50 to 54 more than doubled from 3.4 percent in 2002 to 7.2 percent in 2012. Even more dramatic was the rate for the 55 to 59, which jumped from 1.9 percent up to 6.6 percent during the same time period. The rate for those aged 60 to 64 still more than tripled from 1.1 percent to 3.6 percent over the decade.

Alcohol and prescription drug abuse have been the biggest culprits in terms of substances. Currently there are about 2.8 million people over the age of 50 who are said to be in need of treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, and that number is expected to at least double within the next 7 years.

One of the major concerns is that as this generation continues to get older, the treatment requirements for substance abuse can become more difficult with additional medical problems that would need to be addressed, monitored or treated along with the behavioral health conditions.

Since Arizona has been a popular spot for retirees due to the warmer climate during winter months, treatment centers in the state have to become more prepared to deal with older populations needing rehabilitation services. If you have a friend or family member in need of drug abuse help in Arizona, contact us today.