Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs for Senior Citizens

​Older adults sometimes encounter unique challenges related to addiction compared to younger individuals, necessitating specialized treatment programs tailored to their specific needs. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), among adults aged 60 or older, 1 in 11 had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year.¹ As our understanding of age-related differences in addiction deepens, the demand for rehab services designed for older adults continues to grow. This page will help you learn more about addiction treatment programs for seniors so you can make an informed decision about your health or a loved one’s health. 

Alcohol Use & Addiction Among Seniors & Older Adults

Many factors can contribute to substance misuse among older adults. One generational influence is that the aging baby boomer population was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age, a known risk factor for developing a substance use disorder (SUD) later in life.² Additionally, as people age, their brains can become more sensitive to the effects of drugs and alcohol, increasing their vulnerability to substance misuse and its harmful consequences.³

Older adults are also more likely to experience mood disorders or memory changes, which can make them more prone to using alcohol or other substances to cope with life challenges, such as the loss of loved ones or social isolation. A review of current literature on alcohol and substance use among seniors highlights the following trends:^2,3

• A 2017 study comparing rehab admission data found that 80% of patients ages 55 and older reported beginning drinking before the age of 25.²
• Between 2015-2017, approximately 11% of adults over age 65 identified as binge drinkers, defined as consuming 4 or more drinks within about 2 hours for women and 5 or more for men.^4,5
• An estimated 4.4 million older adults received substance use treatment in 2020.²
• During the first 4 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study of drinking behavior in American adults found that people ages 65 and older represented the highest sustained increase in daily drinking compared to other age groups.⁶

Co-Occurring Disorders Among Senior Citizens

Co-occurring disorders occur when a person has both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, at the same time.⁷ Co-occurring disorders are common among older adults. As people age, the risk of mental health challenges increases.³ Seniors with co-occurring disorders may face more severe health issues and require specialized treatment to address both conditions simultaneously.³ According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), untreated co-occurring disorders can lead to various health effects, such as cognitive decline and increased risk of suicide. Integrated treatment programs that target both substance use and mental health can provide better outcomes.⁷

Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Rehab for Older Adults

When considering alcohol addiction treatment for seniors, there are other factors to consider in the pursuit of appropriate care. Older adults often have other medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure, that can be worsened by substance use.⁸ These comorbidities may increase the risk of a senior’s substance use problem being overlooked by healthcare providers, who might attribute symptoms to another condition or simply to aging.³ Additionally, older adults typically experience slower metabolism, which may require adjustments to medication dosages and could result in longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms, potentially necessitating extended detox treatment.⁹

Seniors may also face unique barriers to treatment, including:⁹

• Lack of reliable transportation.
• Physical limitations or mobility issues.
• A reduced support network, often due to retirement, the loss of loved ones, or social isolation caused by decreased activity outside the home.

What to Look for in Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers for Seniors

As discussed, older adults often face unique barriers that can make accessing addiction treatment more difficult. To address these challenges, many rehab centers for seniors have adapted their programs to provide the same evidence-based treatment found in other integrated programs, but with modifications tailored to older adults. Key features to look for in alcohol rehab programs for elderly include:⁹

• Flexible treatment options: Offering in-home services or telehealth appointments to accommodate those with transportation challenges.
• Accessible communication: Providing information in multiple formats, such as large-print materials or verbal instructions, to accommodate varying levels of physical and cognitive functioning.
• Mobility-friendly facilities: Ensuring treatment spaces are accessible for individuals with mobility limitations, including wheelchair accessibility and minimal stairs.
• Social support integration: Strengthening existing social networks and encouraging participation in peer support groups to reduce isolation.
• Comprehensive medical care: Addressing co-occurring medical conditions with integrated healthcare support to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Encouragingly, research shows that older adults are more likely to complete alcohol addiction treatment than younger individuals and tend to experience equal or better outcomes. With the right support, seniors can successfully achieve recovery and improve their overall well-being.⁹

Signs of Alcohol Addiction in Older Adults

Alcohol addiction can manifest differently in older adults due to factors such as age-related cognitive changes, comorbid health conditions, and shifts in social support networks. These differences can make it easier to overlook or misinterpret the signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD), as some symptoms may be mistaken for typical aging or other medical conditions.³

AUD is a chronic, relapsing condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol use despite negative consequences. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines 11 criteria used to diagnose AUD. A person may be diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe AUD depending on how many of these criteria they meet:¹⁰

• Drinking more alcohol or for a longer period than intended.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol.
• Experiencing strong cravings or urges to drink.
• Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking.
• Continuing to drink despite alcohol causing relationship problems.
• Giving up or reducing important social, work, or recreational activities due to drinking.
• Using alcohol in situations where it is physically dangerous (e.g., driving under the influence).
• Continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing or worsening a physical or mental health condition.
• Developing a tolerance, meaning needing more alcohol to achieve the desired effect or experiencing a reduced effect from the same amount.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

Only a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor, can diagnose AUD. However, understanding these criteria may help you determine whether you or a loved one should seek professional evaluation and support.

Does Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab for Seniors?

Insurance may cover AUD treatment for older adults, depending on the specific plan, coverage limitations, and type of treatment needed.

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older (and some younger individuals with disabilities), covers many addiction treatment services. To qualify, individuals must have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years through their own or their spouse’s employment. Medicare coverage for AUD treatment includes:¹¹

• Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient rehab for seniors and hospital stays for medically necessary detox or addiction treatment.
• Medicare Part B: Covers outpatient services, including counseling, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• Medicare Part D: Helps cover prescription medications used in addiction treatment, such as naltrexone or acamprosate.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): May offer additional benefits, such as expanded access to mental health and substance use disorder services.

In addition to Medicare, there are other ways you can cover the cost of drug rehab for seniors, with or without insurance:^12,13

• VA benefits: Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for substance use treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Medicaid: Low-income individuals, including some seniors, may qualify for Medicaid, which covers addiction treatment services.
• Private insurance: Many private insurance plans cover inpatient and outpatient rehab for seniors, though coverage details vary.
• Sliding-scale and payment plans: Uninsured individuals may find an elderly alcohol rehab program that offers sliding-scale fees, payment plans, or state-funded options to help cover costs.

If you’re unsure about your coverage, contacting your insurance provider or speaking with a treatment center’s admissions team can help you explore your payment options.

How to Find an Alcohol Rehab Facility for Seniors

If you or a loved one is an older adult struggling with addiction, help is available. At American Addiction Centers (AAC), we understand the unique challenges seniors face when seeking treatment. Call to speak with an admissions navigator, confidentially and for free. We can answer your questions, help verify your insurance coverage, and guide you toward the right treatment option. There’s no obligation to enter treatment. You can also learn more about our facilities or use our rehab directory to explore addiction treatment programs for seniors nationwide.