New face of drug use – Baby Boomers

by KING 5 HealthLink

KING5.com

Posted on February 28, 2012 at 5:49 PM

Peggy is 58 years old, and in drug rehab for the first time.

Although alcohol remains the most popular addiction for Baby Boomers, there has been a dangerous spike with illegal drugs, not to mention prescription medications, which become easier to get at this age as patients develop more aches and pains.

"Doctors are quick to prescribe them for pain, people find comfort in them. And they're off and running, they abuse them, they develop a dependency, they wind up at our front door." Stan Galperson, Tarzana Treatment Center

Galperson runs a residential and out-patient treatment center. He says part of the challenge for the over-50 crowd is simply lifestyle. At this point, if they are nearing retirement they have some money, more time and less structure.

"You don't have the consequences anymore that the boss may notice that you are under the influence, your work performance is suffering. If you don't have those anymore it is quite easy to let your addiction progress, said Galperson.

And when kids leave the nest, many moms and dads simply feel lost.

"Substance use becomes an alternative to deal with that whole changing identity," said Galperson.

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New face of drug use - Baby Boomers