The Growing Problem of Senior Substance Abuse
Canaan, CT (PRWEB) January 22, 2014 -- On January 23, 2014, representatives from the Mountainside Treatment Center in Canaan, Connecticut will take part in an important presentation regarding the growing problem of substance abuse in senior citizens. Hosted by Northwest Corner TRIAD, a non-profit organization for seniors, the presentation will focus on the challenges of managing multiple prescription medications and the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs in combination with alcohol. Resources for helping to deal with related issues will also be provided by the panel.
Attending the presentation on behalf of Mountainside will be Maureen O’Neill Biggs, the center's clinical director and Bruce Dechert, Mountainside's director of family services.
"Substance abuse knows no boundaries. As such, it is a growing concern among the senior population. From this standpoint, Ms. O'Neill Biggs and Mr. Dechert have the experience necessary for offering valuable insight, guidance, and relevant information on this particular topic," said a spokesperson for Mountainside.
This presentation couldn't have come at a better time. In recent studies conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it was found that up to 30% of people aged 75 to 85 have experienced drinking problems. Additionally, in a 2008 study conducted by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, it was discovered that 2% of older adults in retirement communities reported using an illicit drug.
"With the average senior citizen taking between four and nine (prescribed and over-the-counter) pills a day, you have a dangerous situation when alcohol or some other illicit substance is used alongside those medications. For this reason, Mountainside works diligently throughout the year speaking at major conferences around the country, like the upcoming presentation being hosted by Northwest Corner TRIAD, in an ongoing effort to help raise awareness among this and other sectors of the population, alongside providing effective treatment for those in need of rehabilitative care," the spokesperson added.
The presentation will be held on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. at Geer, 77 South Canaan Road, Canaan in the Hollenbeck Room. For more information or to pre-register for the event, call 860-435-5222, ext. 1201.
About Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center
Mountainside is nationally recognized for the effectiveness of its drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs. Our Integrative Care Model provides a comprehensive set of treatment and care offerings coordinated by a multidisciplinary treatment team to best fit the unique needs and interests of each client. We are lauded for our ability to partner with each client and the client’s family and healthcare professionals in developing and executing individualized treatment plans that promote long-term sobriety. To inquire about Mountainside's open positions, please visit http://www.Mountainside.com or email Recruitment (at) Mountainside (dot) com.
Communications Department, Mountainside Treatment Center, http://www.Mountainside.com, +1 6463544243 Ext: 425, [email protected]
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