ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR RETIREES AND PROFESSIONALS

By Robert C. Gibson– Managing Director Crossroads Behavioral Health Center and Crossroads Substance Abuse Services Group

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 make an improvement in 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. Within the family, reactions range from concern to exasperation, anger and resentment. The emotional toll exacted by addiction for 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 offers a balance between 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 2020 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 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, lead people to underreport it, so the true rate of the disorder is significantly higher.

Upward Trends in Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults:
Alcohol use in older adults has been trending upward over the years, particularly among women. One epidemiologic survey determined that in the United States between 2001 and 2013, among people 65 and older, the rate of alcohol use disorder increased 107%. The University of Michigan’s 2021 National Poll on Healthy Aging found that there was a significant growing subset of older adults exceeding the recommended guidelines for alcohol use. In particular, 20% of respondents drank alcohol four or more times per week; 27% reported having six or more drinks on at least one occasion in the past year; and 7% reported alcohol-related blackouts.

Negative Effects of Alcohol Use in Older Adults:
Drinking too much alcohol has negative physical and mental health consequences, including heart and liver problems, memory issues, mood disorders, as well as an increased risk of cancer and a weakened immune system. In addition, age-related changes in the body place older adults who drink alcohol at additional risk. Older adults have increased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol because they typically metabolize alcohol more slowly. Lean body mass also declines with age, and with less muscle to absorb alcohol, older adults feel the effects of alcohol more quickly, even with consumption of lower amounts of alcohol than when they were younger. Older women are at higher risk of these effects compared with older men. Combined with other physical changes in the body due to age, older adults who drink alcohol are susceptible to falls, bone fractures, and other unintentional injuries. Given that many older adults are taking multiple prescription medications, another important concern for this age group is the dangerous and sometimes fatal consequence of mixing medications with alcohol.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 reaching out for assistance.

7. 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 important for several reasons:

1. 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 specifically designed for these individuals provides a more discreet and confidential environment, which increases the likelihood that they will seek and receive treatment.

2. Unique Needs: Retirees and professionals have unique 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.

3. Supportive Environment: Crossroads provides a supportive environment with other clients who are 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.

4. 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 that are tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
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Key features of Crossroads Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Dependency and Substance Abuse:
1. Therapeutic Approach: Crossroads IOP programs offer a variety of evidence-
based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention techniques. The specific therapies used depend on the individual’s needs and the program’s approach.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Education and Skill Building: Crossroads IOP programs utilize educational sessions to help individuals understand addiction, its impact on their lives, and the tools needed for recovery. These sessions can cover topics like stress management, communication skills, and healthy coping mechanisms.

6. Holistic Approach: At Crossroads, our IOP programs incorporate holistic 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.

7. Continuum of Care: Utilization of educational sessions to help individuals understand addiction, its impact on their lives, and the tools needed for recovery. These sessions can cover topics like stress management, communication skills, and healthy coping mechanisms.

8. Holistic Approach: Incorporation of holistic 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.

9. 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 more intensive levels of care like inpatient or residential treatment.

Crossroads
Behavioral Health Center
(239) 692.1020 | www.CrossroadsFL.org