Addiction in Older Adults
By: Steven Crane, Nan Vest – The Retreat in Wayzata
Handout – Recovery Resources for Older Adults in the Twin Cities Metro Area
Handouts – Addiction in Older Adults Webinar – 1 per page
Handouts – Addiction in Older Adults Webinar – 3 per page
Alcohol and drug addiction is a serious and growing issue for people over 55. In fact, there are currently 2.5 million older adults in the US struggling with some sort of alcohol or drug problem and these numbers are expected to increase as Boomers age. This presentation covers the key issues surrounding older adults and addiction. Participants will learn about the disease model, some of the myths and misperceptions about older adults and chemical misuse, how addiction affects the family and complicates access to care, and some helpful resources.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify some common myths and misconceptions about older adults and addiction.
- Examine how addiction in older adults affects aging, family relationships and access to care in later years.
- Describe addiction as a brain disease.
Stephen Crane, M.A., L.A.D.C., Coordinator, Older Adult Program, The Retreat
Stephen has dedicated his life to helping the addicted and their families achieve recovery by integrating a 12-Step program, with the support of others, to reconnect to healthy family relationships and a spiritually vibrant life.
Nan Vest, Outreach and Education Manager, The Retreat
With a degree in Social Work and years of experience in the eldercare industry, Nancy shares a message of hope for professionals, the addicted person and their loved ones by de-bunking the myths and examining the facts about aging and addiction, and by sharing resources available including information about The Retreat’s Older Adult Day Program, an age-specific recovery program designed specifically for older adults seeking recovery.