New Report Reveals Increasing Rate of Opioid Abuse Among Aging Adults in America
According to a recent report issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), an unprecedented number of senior adults in the United States are developing addictions to prescription opioid painkillers. The AHRQ report reveals that millions of aging adults in America are simultaneously filling prescriptions from multiple doctors for opioids like Fentanyl, OxyContin, and Vicodin, to name a few.
Opioid Medications Create Significant Risk for Senior Adults
There are many reasons why aging American adults are at a more significant risk of opioid addiction, including:
- Greater likelihood of experiencing chronic pain, which physicians often remedy with opioids
- Greater likelihood of experiencing multiple painful health issues at a time, such as diabetes, heart failure, etc.
- Greater likelihood of receiving continued benefits (i.e. continued funding for multiple, ongoing opioid prescriptions)
- Lack of education and awareness of resources regarding opioid addiction and related treatment
There has also been a massive uptick in the number of senior adults who have been hospitalized for issues stemming from opioid addiction or abuse. Since 2010, the number of aging adults admitted to the hospital for opioid-related problems has increased by more than 34 percent. Given that many older Americans are unaware of the risks they face when taking opioid painkillers, it often falls to caregivers and loved ones to help them get the care they need.
Opioid Addiction Treatment for Aging Adults in Prescott, AZ
At Decision Point Center, we provide compassionate, relational rehabilitation in Northern Arizona. Our 45-day residential treatment program is for adults of all ages, and we may be able to help you or your aging loved one get the help they need to make a full recovery. Allow us to come alongside you and help you overcome addiction, substance abuse disorder, and opioid dependence for good.
Call our Prescott drug rehab center at (844) 292-5010 or contact us online to tell us how we can help. You can also click to learn more about our residential treatments and therapies.