As people get older – into their ‘60s, for example – they often find themselves without the friends and family they’ve been with for so many years. Their parents have often passed away, friends, husbands or wives may have as well, their children are out there living their own lives and contact is less frequent. Their careers also may have come to end. All of these changes conspire to make the elderly person feel isolated. Many elderly people turn to prescription drugs to make them feel better, and some become addicted. Unfortunately, many older people hide their drug problem from those around them but, in truth, they need drug rehab.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, non-medical use of prescription drugs is the second most common form of substance abuse among adults older than 55. The study doesn’t tell us what the most common substance abuse is, but I would imagine it’s alcohol – as it is for every other age group.

If you’re one of the older adults suffering from prescription drug addiction, you should contact a drug rehab program counselor to see if you need help. As we get older, our bodies can be more susceptible to the dangers of drugs and you could be looking at serous trouble if you don’t get off them. Whatever you tell a counselor will be confidential, so no one but you will know what’s going on.

For the rest of us, keep an eye out for older people. Check their medicine cabinets, find out if they’re using drugs and, if so, how much, how often, and for how long. They may not tell you they need help, but if you notice any signs, you should contact a drug rehab program counselor for help. The last half of your life should be better than the first, but it’s not going to be that way if you’re on drugs.

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