The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a report with a surprising revelation about addiction trends in America: an increasing number of individuals from the baby boomer generation are developing addictions and requiring treatment late in life. “Pharmageddon” Pharmaceutical medications can be argued as the most often abused by baby boomers. While it may seem surprising anyone would turn to drugs so late in life, it makes sense when you consider the availability of prescription drugs. As Jennifer Matesa stated in an article about the report, “many of these people, having come of age in the drug-friendly culture of the 1960s and 1970s, have little hesitation about popping painkillers and other pills to deal with the physical and emotional stresses of aging.” Addiction at All Ages It is possible to form an addiction at any time in life. Older individuals may feel they are past the point of becoming addicts, but they are actually just as vulnerable as anyone else. It is never a good idea for anyone, regardless of age, to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. Anyone struggling with an addiction should consider seeking help. Even older individuals cannot fight the force of an addiction on their own. Make the choice to take your life back before your health and happiness are compromised. A Continuing Problem According to the SAMHSA’s report, we can expect the number of adults over the age of 50 becoming addicts to continually rise, which will require double the treatment availability by 2020. While we hope this prediction will not prove to be true, we will be prepared to help people of all ages recover from their addiction. If you are struggling with an addition, call 1-877-548-4794 for help now. Whether you are 17 or 71, it’s never too soon or too late to make the most out of your life.
