The American opioid epidemic has ravaged towns and cities across the United States, with costs now exceeding one trillion dollars. While the consequences of the opioid crisis have received significant coverage in the news, the effects of the crisis on certain subgroups have been woefully overlooked and underreported. One group that has been seriously harmed by the crisis but has received far too little attention is the elderly.
According to an analysis of data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), while opioid abuse actually decreased for younger Americans between 2002 and 2014, it nearly doubled for Americans over the age of 50 during that same twelve year period. Additionally, in 2016 a third of people with a Medicare prescription drug plan had a prescription for opioids.
Opioid addiction is a progressive disease which means that it will become worse if left untreated. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be developing an addiction to opioids, you should speak with a certified addiction treatment specialist at the earliest opportunity.
The Asana Recovery Center offers a supervised detoxification and residential treatment program designed to help those suffering from any stage of substance addiction. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our inspiring facilities and find out if your drug and alcohol addiction treatment program is right for you.
