Substance Use Treatment Programs for Older Adults

Highlights of Caron's Older Adult Programs

Caron’s specialized Older Adult Programs address addiction along with co-occurring conditions commonly seen in older adults. Our programs are adapted to a person’s age and physical, emotional, and spiritual condition, and are effective for early intervention, treatment, and relapse prevention. We use proven behavioral health therapies that preserve dignity, build self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

The programs are located in Caron’s state-of-the-art medical centers on our Pennsylvania and Florida campuses.

Adaptable, Comprehensive Treatment Programs

The daily schedule is crafted to adhere to each patient’s pace with the inclusion of activities that take into account mobility and possible co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Significant medical issues — like chronic pain, diabetes, or cardiac problems — are also taken into account in the individualized treatment plan.

Throughout treatment, our interdisciplinary addiction specialists continually reassess and adjust care plans, helping patients build social support networks, gain self-awareness, overcome difficult emotions such as grief and depression, and restore their sense of meaning and purpose.

Treatment Components

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, these treatment components are available on both the Florida and Pennsylvania campuses.

Wellness Therapies and Services

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, these therapies and services are available on both the Florida and Pennsylvania campuses.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults

Because some of the signs of substance abuse mirror the signs of aging, it can be difficult to recognize if there is an issue or its extent. Medications that many older people take may mask or mimic substance abuse symptoms. The fact that older people generally also drink or take drugs at home alone also makes it difficult to know if they need treatment for substance use disorder.

Due to the normal aging process, drugs and alcohol affect every part of the body differently because it cannot metabolize the same way it had. Here are some signs to evaluate: