Jun
2010
Dramatic Rise in the Proportion of Older Americans Admitted for Substance Abuse Treatment from 1992 to 2008
“The proportion of substance abuse treatment admissions involving older Americans (aged 50 and older) has nearly doubled — from 6.6 percent of all admissions in 1992 to 12.2 percent in 2008. The study, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), also shows a sharp rise during this period in the proportion of older Americans admissions related to illicit drug abuse — even though alcohol abuse is still the leading cause for admissions involving this age group.
Among its more notable findings the SAMHSA study reveals that from 1992 to 2008 the proportion of admissions among this age group due primarily to:
• Heroin abuse more than doubled — from 7.2 percent to 16.0 percent.
• Cocaine abuse quadrupled — from 2.9 percent to 11.4 percent.
• Prescription drug abuse rose from 0.7 percent to 3.5 percent.
• Marijuana abuse increased from 0.6 percent to 2.9 percent.
At the same time admissions primarily related to alcohol abuse decreased from 84.6 percent in 1992 to 59.9 percent in 2008.”
Getting help for parents and grandparents that need it may be as simple as asking them to take part in an assessment about their drinking and drug use. LifeSkills Authorities can help not only the addicted individual but the entire family. By providing addiction consulting and qualified addiction intervention services, LifeSkills Authorities will help to create a loving atmosphere in a time of great need and support. Contact us now to learn more.
