What Is The Best Alcohol And Substance Abuse Treatment Program For Retirees And Professionals

Crossroads Behavioral Health Center and Crossroads Substance Abuse Services, located at 704 Goodlette Frank Rd. Naples, FL 34102, has developed a unique treatment program designed for retirees and professionals who recognize their excessive drinking or drug use and seek to improve their lives. In the arena of health and wellness, addiction is a challenge, transcending age and circumstance. For many retired professionals who are grappling with addiction, this battle often unfolds in confounding secrecy, hidden behind a cloak of defensiveness and denial. The family’s reactions range from concern to exasperation, anger, and resentment. The emotional toll exacted by addiction on the individual and the family further complicates the situation as those affected grapple with feelings of shame, stigma, denial, and isolation. In this fragile emotional ecosystem, hopelessness casts doubt on the possibility of ever breaking free from the relentless cycle of addiction.

Crossroads Intensive Outpatient (IOP) recovery program provides a more supportive, confidential, and tailored environment for individuals who have unique needs and concerns related to their professional lives. By providing a specialized program for retirees and professionals, individuals in recovery can increase their likelihood of successfully overcoming addiction and maintaining their sobriety over the long term. Crossroads balances the flexibility of outpatient treatment and the structured support of inpatient treatment.

The Rise of Substance Abuse among Seniors:

Until a few years ago, even as the opioid epidemic raged, health providers and researchers paid limited attention to drug use by older adults; concerns focused on the younger, working-age victims who were hardest hit. But as baby boomers have turned 65, the age at which they typically qualify for Medicare, substance use disorders among the older population have climbed steeply.

Evidence of a growing problem has been stacking up. A study of opioid use disorder in people over 65 enrolled in traditional Medicare showed a threefold increase in just five years — to 15.7 cases per 1,000 in 2018 from 4.6 cases per 1,000 in 2013. Furthermore, the study indicated that the stigma of drug use leads people to underreport it, so the actual rate of the disorder is significantly higher.

Upward Trends in Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults:

Over the years, there has been an increase in older adult alcohol consumption, especially among women. According to one epidemiologic survey, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder rose by 107% among Americans 65 and older between 2001 and 2013. According to the University of Michigan’s 2021 National Poll on Healthy Aging, a sizable and increasing portion of older persons are drinking more alcohol than is advised. Specifically, 20% of participants reported drinking alcohol four or more times a week, 27% admitted to having six or more drinks at least once in the previous year, and 7% reported experiencing blackouts due to alcohol consumption.

Negative Effects of Alcohol Use in Older Adults:

Overindulging in alcohol consumption can lead to detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental well-being, such as liver and heart disease, memory loss, mood swings, elevated risk of cancer, and compromised immunity. Alcohol consumption increases the danger for older persons who drink because age-related changes in the body occur. Due to their generally slower metabolism of alcohol, older folks are more susceptible to its effects. Age-related decreases in lean body mass mean that older persons experience the effects of alcohol sooner, even at lower alcohol consumption levels than younger ones, since they have less muscle to absorb the substance. When compared to older men, elderly women are more susceptible to these impacts. When combined with other age-related physical changes in the body, the increases the risk of falls, fractured bones, and other unintentional injuries among older adults. The risky and occasionally fatal result of combining pharmaceuticals and alcohol is a major worry for older persons, as many of them use many prescription prescriptions.

The Rising Number of Retirees and Professionals Suffering from Drug Addiction and Alcoholism is a Complex Issue With Various Contributing Factors:

Stress and Pressure: Professionals often face high levels of stress and pressure in their careers. The demands of the job, long working hours, and the constant need to perform can lead to mental health issues. To cope with these pressures, individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of escape or relaxation.
Retirement Transition: Retirees often experience a sense of loss of purpose and identity when they leave their careers. This transition can be challenging, and some retirees turn to increased alcohol consumption and substance abuse as a way to fill the void or deal with feelings of boredom and isolation.
Accessibility: Accessibility to drugs and alcohol plays a significant role. Retirees and professionals typically have the financial means to afford drugs or alcohol, and they may be exposed to social settings where substance use is normalized.
Mental Health: Underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, can contribute to drug addiction and alcoholism. Numerous studies have shown that people self-medicate with substances to alleviate their emotional pain.
Prescription Medications: Both retirees and professionals often develop addiction issues due to the misuse of prescription medications, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, which may have been initially prescribed for pain management or anxiety.
Lack of Support: Stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues can deter retirees and professionals from seeking help. The fear of professional repercussions or social isolation prevents individuals from seeking assistance.
Peer Pressure: Often in retirement, as well as In certain professions, there is often a culture of alcohol and substance use, making it difficult for individuals to abstain or seek help when they see their peers engaging in similar behaviors.

Addressing the rising number of retirees and professionals suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism requires a multifaceted approach. Crossroads has addressed this alarming trend and developed a separate intensive outpatient program (IOP) addiction recovery program for retirees and professionals that has proven to be successful and meaningful for several reasons:

Confidentiality: Retirees and professionals in high-profile positions are often hesitant to seek treatment for addiction in traditional rehab or outpatient programs due to concerns about confidentiality. A separate program designed for these individuals provides a more discreet and confidential environment, increasing the likelihood that they will seek and receive treatment.
Unique Needs: Retirees and professionals have individual needs and challenges in addiction recovery, such as concerns about their careers or the impact of addiction on their reputations. A separate program can address these needs and provide specialized support and resources for their long-term recovery.
Supportive Environment: Crossroads provides a supportive environment with other clients facing similar challenges and experiences. This helps individuals in recovery feel less isolated and increases their motivation to engage in treatment and maintain their sobriety.
Tailored Treatment: Crossroads professional track IOP programs provide tailored treatment that addresses the specific needs and challenges of retirees and professionals in recovery. The program includes components such as stress management, grief counseling, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Critical features of Crossroads Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Dependency and Substance Abuse:

Therapeutic Approach: Crossroads IOP programs offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention techniques. The medicines used depend on the individual’s needs and the program’s approach.
Group Therapy: Interactive group therapy is a fundamental component that allows participants to share their experiences, learn from others, receive peer support, and practice interpersonal skills in a supportive environment.
Individual Counseling: Individual therapy sessions provide a one-on-one setting for clients to work with their therapist on specific personal issues, triggers, and coping strategies
Individualized Treatment Plans: Each participant’s treatment plan at Crossroads is tailored to their specific needs, challenges, and goals. This individualized approach ensures that the program addresses their unique circumstances.
Family Involvement: The incorporation of family therapy sessions to address family dynamics, educate loved ones about addiction, and provide a platform for communication and healing within the family system.
Structured Schedule: Crossroads IOP programs involve attending multiple therapy sessions per week, typically ranging from three to five sessions. These sessions can include individual therapy, group
therapy, family therapy, psychoeducation, and skill-building workshops.
Education and Skill Building: Utilization of educational sessions to help individuals understand addiction, its impact on their lives, and the tools needed for recovery. These sessions can cover stress management, communication skills, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Holistic Approach: Incorporation of therapies such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and mindfulness practices to support overall well-being. Additionally, we feel that IOP treatment is a pleasurable experience, as we host boating and beach group sessions for our clients.
Continuum of Care: Crossroads IOP programs are part of a broader continuum of care, which includes stepping up from regular outpatient treatment or stepping down from intensive levels of care like inpatient or residential treatment.