Statistics on Rehab Treatment Among Senior Citizens in SoCal
Substance use disorder (SUD) in senior citizens is a pressing concern throughout Southern California. The California Behavioral Health Planning Council recounted that over 12,000 individuals aged 55 and older sought SUD treatment between 2015 and 2016. Given that seniors represent 20 percent of the state’s population, there is a dire need for alcohol and drug rehab for seniors.
Additionally, the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services in 2019 revealed that 533 of California’s addiction rehabilitation centers offered specialized addiction treatment for older adults. The County of Los Angeles highlights that over 20 million older adults are classified as seniors, further emphasizing the requirement for specialized elderly addiction recovery programs. As the senior population continues to inflate, healthcare providers and policymakers need to enhance the availability of geriatric substance abuse treatment that addresses the distinct challenges seniors encounter in overcoming addiction.