Older Adult Intervention

Older adult intervention requires special understanding of the thinking and the needs of this age group, and a specific language, as described in the book Aging and Addiction. A love first approach is especially important when intervening on an elder person. Negative confrontation only increases a sense of shame which leads to defensiveness and resistance. Love and understanding are more effective at opening the door between you and your older loved one.

Older adults often need greater support in treatment due to a more complex detoxification from alcohol or prescription drug addiction, multiple medical problems that can block treatment, memory loss, reduced mobility including difficulty driving, and slower overall progress in recovery For this reason, inpatient treatment in a center specializing in older alcoholics is often best. Hanley-Hazelden Center in West Palm Beach, Florida offers an excellent residential program for people 55 years and older. Other excellent older adult programs include Wake Forest and Hemet Valley Medical Center. See the resource section for more information.

To learn more about planning a loving family intervention, go to the web site Love First. You will find detailed information to help get you started. The Love First website also has a select Recovery Bookstore and many other resources.

Alcoholics over 55 years old often take longer to recover, but their success in long-term recovery is higher than any other age group. If you are not sure if your older parent or grandparent is suffering from alcoholism or addiction to mood-altering prescription drugs, answer the questions on the quiz: Signs of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Older Adults.