Drug or Alcohol Rehab for Seniors in Las Vegas, NV

Anyone who uses illicit drugs, consumes alcohol, or takes certain prescription medications may be at risk for addiction. As we age, we may face social and physical changes that can increase our susceptibility to substance misuse. The body undergoes various changes, health concerns often become more significant in our daily lives, and we may experience a reduction in our social networks and social functioning. These factors can heighten the vulnerability of older adults to substance misuse.

Substance misuse is an escalating issue among older adults, with rising rates of co-occurring disorders and illicit drug use. Heavy drinking, in particular, can lead to negative health outcomes and is common among residents over the age of 55. Older adults with substance use disorders are more likely to misuse alcohol compared to other substances.

Fortunately, help is available. Specialized rehab programs can assist older adults struggling with substance abuse in finding a path to recovery. Understanding the specific needs of older adults dealing with addiction, the benefits of specialized rehab programs, and how to locate these facilities can be the first steps on the journey to recovery.

Effects of Drugs and Alcohol in Older Adults

Drugs and alcohol affect older adults in different ways compared to younger adults. This is largely due to the aging process which is associated with physiological and mental changes.³ A lower amount of body fat and a slower metabolism, two hallmark signs of aging, can leave older adults vulnerable to adverse effects from alcohol and drugs.³ Additionally, older adults may also be at increased risk of falls or serious injuries because of substance abuse.¹⁰

Alcoholism and the misuse or dependency on benzodiazepines are critical issues that demand attention, particularly given their potential for harmful interactions with alcohol. These interactions can exacerbate the negative effects of both substances, leading to increased risks of overdose, cognitive impairments, and other serious health complications.

Many older adults often underestimate the cognitive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. They frequently perceive it solely as a sedative or calming agent that can help with sleep disturbances. However, at elevated concentrations, THC can produce adverse reactions, including heightened anxiety, confusion, or even psychotic symptoms, which can be particularly concerning for seniors whose cognitive functions may already be compromised. It’s important for this demographic to be fully informed about these risks to make safer choices regarding their health and medication use.

Many older adults in the United States take prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, that can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol (medically they are known as “alcohol-interactive” (AI) drugs).³ Medications like Aspirin, acetaminophen, sleeping pills, cough syrup, cold medication, pain medication, and medication for anxiety or depression can all lead to negative interactions when taken with alcohol.¹¹ Older adults taking these medications for medical conditions may drink without knowing the risk of potential negative reactions.¹¹

Older adults who experience chronic pain may be prescribed opioid painkillers, which have a high potential for abuse.^{3, 10}  Studies show that while the population of older adults increased by 6% between 2013 and 2015, the amount of older adults seeking treatment for opioid use increased by nearly 54%.¹⁰ Further, the combination of opioids with other medications, like benzodiazepines, can lead to serious and sometimes fatal reactions.³

Risk Factors for Addiction in the Elderly

As individuals age, they often experience significant life transitions and age-related changes in both their physical capabilities and social interactions, which can heighten their susceptibility to developing substance use issues. Several key risk factors contribute to this increasing vulnerability:³

• Retirement, particularly when it is not a choice but rather a forced decision, can lead to a profound loss of purpose and routine, leaving individuals feeling adrift and potentially turning to substances as a coping mechanism.
• Grief from losing loved ones can trigger emotional turmoil, leading to feelings of loneliness and despair. The death of a spouse, friends, or family members can create a vacuum in social support systems, which some may attempt to fill with alcohol or drugs.
• Transitions to new living environments, such as moving into assisted living facilities, can be disorienting and stressful. These changes may strip away familiar surroundings and social networks, increasing feelings of alienation and anxiety.
• Physical health challenges are common in older adults; chronic pain conditions, hypertension, and sleep disturbances can all take a toll on one’s quality of life. The discomfort associated with these health issues might lead some individuals to seek relief through substance use.
• Co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are also prevalent among older adults. These conditions often exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair, creating a cycle where substances are used as a form of self-medication.
• Cognitive decline, whether due to age-related conditions like dementia or other factors, can complicate the management of daily life and increase the likelihood of poor decision-making, including substance misuse.
• Social isolation becomes increasingly common as friends and family members pass away or as mobility issues arise. This lack of social interaction can lead to boredom, despair, and a greater reliance on substances.
• Financial stressors, such as adjusting to a fixed income or dealing with the loss of a primary income earner, can create anxiety and fear about the future. Economic pressures can lead some individuals to seek comfort in substances as a means of escape.

These interconnected factors illustrate the complex challenges that older adults face and underscore the importance of understanding and addressing these issues to support their well-being.

Older Adults and Co-Occurring Disorders

Many older adults face the challenge of co-occurring health disorders, which can have a profound impact on their overall well-being. Recent estimates indicate that around 1.5 million Americans aged 50 and above struggled with both a substance use disorder and a concurrent mental health disorder within the past year. This demographic often experiences particularly severe consequences due to these intertwined issues, leading to a heightened risk of adverse outcomes such as homelessness and suicidal ideation.

The presence of both a substance use disorder—ranging from alcohol abuse to dependence on prescription medications—and a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, creates a complex scenario that demands specialized attention. Older adults with these dual diagnoses may benefit significantly from integrated treatment approaches tailored to address both challenges simultaneously. Dual diagnosis interventions focus on providing comprehensive care that acknowledges the interplay between substance use and mental health, aiming to improve the quality of life and promote recovery in this vulnerable population. Specialized substance abuse treatment plans can include a combination of therapy, medication management, and supportive services designed to foster stability and empower older adults on their journey to healing.

Specialized Addiction Treatment for Seniors

While older adults face unique challenges in regard to substance abuse, there are specialized treatment programs available to help. Age-specific programs for older adults can lead to improved treatment experience and may better support abstinence, leading to positive health outcomes.³ This is largely because age-specific programs tailor their methods and content specifically for the needs of an older population. Group therapies often take place with other older adults, which may provide a greater level of comfort when discussing problems related to substance abuse and aging.³ Topics addressed during treatment may also be specialized toward older adults, focusing on topics such as grief, loss, health, quality of life, and other stressful experiences associated with aging.³

Age-specific rehab programs may also offer various types of medical or other physical support that may not be available in regular rehab programs. Accommodations for vision, hearing, and various other cognitive or mobility impairments may be offered at senior rehabs.³ Physical fitness and wellness activities designed specifically for older adults and older adults may also be offered. Additionally, many older adults may also be members of groups that benefit from specialized addiction treatment. Those enrolled in an age-specific rehab program while also being a veteran, a woman, a member of the LGBTQ community, or a man may benefit from other specialized treatment tracks.³

How Does Rehab for Seniors Work?

If you’re a senior who has decided to seek treatment for substance abuse, the first step will be determining what your individual needs are, which will also take into consideration other chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions. This is often done as an initial assessment at the facility, where a clinical team will assess the severity of your substance abuse, get an understanding of your physical and mental health history, and craft a treatment plan. They may also determine your eligibility for age-specific rehab and what level of physical support you will need.

The next step will be to determine which treatment setting you’ll most likely benefit from. Medical detox is the process of removing substances from one’s body, and is a frequent first step when starting recovery. Intensive inpatient or residential treatment allows you to live at a facility 24/7 and receive medical supervision and support. For those who have already completed inpatient treatment or those who have a less severe substance use disorder, outpatient treatment may be more fitting. Outpatient treatment allows you to remain at home while still receiving substance abuse treatment.

Once your needs have been assessed and a treatment plan is in place, you can begin with age-specific treatment. While everyone’s treatment goals are different, there are some common therapy types used in treatment. These therapies may include:³

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy for substance abuse. It involves uncovering the root causes of substance abuse and identifying triggers that lead to substance use, and then developing alternative, more healthy coping mechanisms. These techniques will help to prevent a return to substance use and are a big part of relapse prevention.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy can be beneficial for those struggling with the life changes that frequently accompany old age. This therapy seeks to help people come to terms with life changes and loss while encouraging a reconnection with life values.
• Motivational interviewing is a technique used by therapists to help you find the motivation for and commitment to change.
• Family therapy is led by a therapist works with you and your family to resolve issues that may lead you back to using substances as a coping mechanism. This also helps educate families on ways to support your recovery and your desire to stop drinking or misusing drugs.
• Medication management is another common aspect of age-specific rehab. Since older adults may be more likely to take prescription medications, they may benefit from medication management programs.
• Recovery management and other types of aftercare programs are often highly beneficial to older adults. Many older adults often struggle with finding social support and a sense of connectedness. Mutual help groups, family involvement programs, and other recovery management programs can help older adults stay connected in recovery.

How Do You Pay for Rehab?

Paying for rehab can be challenging. Your first step should be to contact your insurance provider. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance plans to provide some degree of coverage for mental and behavioral health disorders, including substance use disorder.⁵ While Older adults may choose to use private insurance, many will also have access to Medicare. A federally funded insurance program, Medicare may be able to help older individuals cover some or all of the cost for rehab services deemed “reasonable and necessary.”⁶ What is considered “reasonable and necessary” will largely depend on an assessment by your treatment team and a Medicare representative. Adults who are over the age of 65 and have been paying Medicare taxes for at least 10 years may be able eligible for Medicare.⁷

There are also facilities that may work with VA insurance, allowing older veterans to take advantage of the VA’s insurance and rehab facilities. The VA insurance plans, operated by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, offer coverage for medically necessary treatment for substance abuse at VA facilities and participating community care partners.⁸

Some Older adults who meet certain income requirements may also be eligible for Nevada Medicaid. Medicaid is a public health insurance program that is run by the states. Since each state has its own Medicaid program, eligibility requirements will likely vary. Nevada Medicaid’s eligibility guidelines are based primarily on one’s yearly income level:⁹

• $17,131 for individuals
• $23,169 for a family of 2
• $29,207 for a family of 3
• $35,245 for a family of 4
• $41,284 for a family of 5
• $47,322 for a family of 6
• $53,360 for a family of 7
• $59,398 for a family of 8

Nevada also has guidelines for families with more than eight people. For each additional person, $6,038 should be added to the guidelines.⁹ If you’re curious about determining whether you qualify for Nevada Medicaid, consider contacting the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

How to Find Rehab Centers for the Elderly and Older Adults

Finding treatment that’s tailored for older adults doesn’t have to be a difficult process. If you’ve decided to seek help, a good first stop would be to see a trusted doctor or medical professional. They may be able to work with you to determine your rehab goals and needs, and may be able to refer you to treatment facilities in Nevada. Another important step would be to contact your insurance to check your coverage. Whether you have private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or some other plan, it’s important to confirm that you’re covered for substance abuse treatment.

If you’re looking for treatment in a specific area, such as Las Vegas, you may want to consider visiting a treatment locator. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a treatment locator that can help you find senior rehab in Nevada. You may also consider reaching out to an addiction helpline. Addiction helplines, like the one American Addiction Centers operates, are staffed 24/7 and can answer questions you may have about the rehab process. They may also be able to direct you to Nevada facilities that offer rehab for older adults.