A study just released by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports people going to rehab in America over the age of 50 has doubled the last 15 years. What's more is that their statistics also reveal three-quarters of older Americans admitted for treatment started using drugs before age 25.
While this story is being covered in major press from MSNBC to talk radio in Detroit, what I am not seeing is the disgust or outrage regarding the fact that this proves the traditional 12 step rehab is failing us and is now creating a society of senior addicts in the US.
According to the report, those treated for substance abuse who were 50 and over:
- Heroin abuse more than doubled, from 7.2 percent to 16.0 percent.
- Cocaine abuse nearly quadrupled from 2.9 percent to 11.4 percent. More than a quarter of these had begun use of the drug within the last five years.
- Prescription drug abuse doubled from 0.7 percent to 3.5 percent.
- Marijuana abuse increased nearly five times from 0.6 percent to 2.9 percent.
If traditional rehab were any other type of traditional product or service it would be rejected as wholly unworkable. Yet somewhere we all drank the Kool Aid and bought into the idea that addiction is some incurable disease. But it's not! That's the tragedy of it all.
More and more evidence suggests that people can and are getting help in places that believe in resolving the underlying issues of addiction. Addiction counselors are becoming wise to non-traditional, non-12 step drug rehab options that believe more in "curing" vs. "treating" addiction. Maybe today's generation will be a little smarter and dig for the truth than settle for traditional propaganda that is doled out in volume.
What is for certain is that this most recent government study will be used to further promote the idea of a lifelong struggle with addiction and that those with alcohol and drug addictions cannot get better. But many of us who made it through the other side know this is all just a lie and is being perpetrated by those who benefit from addicts continuing to need "treatment" in one form or another. Need it be replacement drugs, counseling or continually going into residential rehab centers.
Maybe others are seeing this study as a wake up call, as I did, and will try to find real help beyond the status quo the next time they or someone else they love is in need.
Personally knowing the effects drug and alcohol has on an individual and having overcome the battle of addiction, Steven R. Tucker has since been an addiction counselor for non-12 step drug rehab organizations. Creating awareness of the effectiveness of non-traditional alternative rehab programs to help others nationwide achieve a true drug-free life.
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