Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities which cater to the unique needs of seniors and older adults can be more beneficial for this client demographic. Senior and older adult focused treatment can be helpful with the initial stigma that seniors may feel when entering rehab and it offers support from others in the same stage of life who understand the specific difficulties they encounter. In mixed age facilities seniors and older adults can at times be less likely to engage completely in group activities with younger clients who don't understand their generational and age related unique issues. Addiction treatment programs that offer a more age appropriate forum for seniors and older adults can deliver a platform of mutual respect, understanding, and solace to work through the challenges to rehab.
Treatment professionals at substance abuse rehab facilities for seniors and older adults are there to deliver their unique expertise with these clients to work on generational, age-related and broader substance abuse related issues alike, while also considering any specific mental or physical health issues or challenges this group of client faces while in recovery. Program curriculum for seniors and older adults may be produced with audio or verbal impairments in mind, such as larger type or treatment counselors who are experienced with the needs of older clients by the means of individual and group counseling sessions.
Seniors and older adults are disproportionately prone to the abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs, and as part of treatment many need medical assistance not just through detoxification but to establish which medical drugs should be eliminated or continued as part of their recovery plan and their transition to a healthy lifestyle that will sustain a long and happy life.