Baby Boomers Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol

The rate of illicit drug use is going up in the 50-59 age group; this group includes America's Baby Boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964. The Baby Boomers' abuse of drugs(both legal and illegal) and alcohol has been increasing in the United States. This becomes more apparent as people in this age bracket need to see doctors for other ailments and request pain medication. Woodstock may have ended 40 years ago but the party has stayed the same for many who were young adults at that time. "The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported Wednesday that rates of illegal drug use by the older generation have doubled in recent years." Statistics are showing that people age 50 to 59 who admit to using illicit drugs in the past year nearly doubled from 5.1% in 2002 to 9.4% in 2007 while rates among all other age groups are the same or decreasing. The use of drugs and alcohol by people at that age will no doubt add to increased hospitalization in the coming years. "These findings show that many in the Woodstock generation continue to use illicit drugs as they age," said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric Broderick. "This continued use poses medical risks to these individuals and is likely to put further strains on the nation's health care system, highlighting the value of preventing drug use from ever starting."

The information used in the study came from various surveys including 16,656 men and women participating in the 2002 through 2007 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. On top of illegal drugs there are many who use pharmaceuticals as well; the CDC states that "of 2.4 billion drugs mentioned in patients' medical records in 2005, 118 million were antidepressants. High blood pressure drugs followed, with 113 million and arthritis or headache drugs were mentioned in 110 million." I find those numbers to be staggering and a good indication that there are just as many Baby Boomers addicted to legal drugs as illegal - if not more! There are some serious issues that need to be addressed regarding this with respect to the solution. How to go about stopping a generation of people who have been using drugs in one way or another for over 40 years is not an answer that we can come to easily.

I will say that many Baby Boomers do end up recognizing the problem and check themselves into drug an alcohol treatment facilities. But drug and alcohol treatment programs typically need to be fine tuned to deal with the additional health problems that can affect the Baby Boomers age group. These problems might include hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and chronic lung problems. I am curious how you feel about this study.

People tend to start having health problems in the age group and there is no telling what effects the use of illegal drugs will have. I encourage you to watch a video called Woodstock Generation Still Getting High.

The Power of Video and Intervention with Drug Treatment

The Power of Video and Intervention with drug treatment. Helping your loved ones make the choice to go to treatment is never an easy task. There are a number of considerations before one makes the decision that could save his or her life.

There are many drug and alcohol treatment websites that give a very vague idea of what to expect upon entering rehab. Most places might have a few pictures and some text letting you or your loved one know what to look forward to. But, when the client arrives at the particular treatment facility they are some times taken aback by what they find. What they may have expected is far from what they finally observe, which, can be very upsetting for some one who has just started on the road to recovery. When people lay down their guard and rest their weak bodies on the shoulders of professionals they need to feel like they can trust them through and through. If a client is going to be honest (something which the addict has trouble with) with the treatment, the same honesty is expected from that treatment center towards the client.

It is very important for drug and alcohol treatment facilities to give a clear and accurate picture of what a potential client can expect. The beginning of recovery is a very fragile time, it is of the utmost importance that the client feels comfortable and safe in their new place of residence.

Whiteside Manor believes in presenting a clear picture for anyone considering entering their program. On top of accurate text, we felt that it was important to share with you a video which will give you a good idea of exactly what to expect. In doing so, we believe, you will have the greatest chance for success on the road to recovery; which ultimately and sincerely is our primary goal.

Rapper Coolio has Pleaded Guilty in Los Angeles to Felony Cocaine Possession

"Rapper Coolio has pleaded guilty in Los Angeles to felony cocaine possession in a deal that requires him to spend 18 months in rehab. District attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison says the 45-year-old rapper, whose real name is Artis Leon Ivey, entered his plea Friday in Superior Court. Coolio was arrested March 6 at Los Angeles International Airport. He allegedly grabbed a screener's arm to prevent a search of his luggage. As part of the plea deal, misdemeanor charges of battery and possession of a smoking device were dismissed. A judge ordered Coolio to enter an 18-month drug rehabilitation program. He can request the judge dismiss his case if he successfully completes the program. He's due back in court Sept. 28 for a report on his progress." ---Associated Press, June 26, 2009.

This is a familiar story, very similar to many stars who have gotten caught up with drugs. Robert Downey, Jr. is a person who was ordered to drug and alcohol treatment over and over. But, unfortunately he continued to relapse and could never seem to get it. Prison was the only thing that made him realize that he needed to change his ways.

Recovery has to be something that you want and until you are truly ready to recover success will be impossible. No one can force you to change your life, changing one's life starts with the individual. On the other side though, every now and then, people who are forced into treatment come to realize that they want more out of their lives. They come to realize that there is a better way to live and it is never to late to change their life.

I will be following Coolio's story to see how residential treatment works out for him. I hope that he can find what so many others have found in drug and alcohol treatment...the will to live!

Southern California Drug Alcoholism Treatment Center

Southern California Drug and Alcoholism Treatment Center Whiteside Manor is happy to announce the creation of our blog. In keeping with our Mission Statement, we believe our blog will be a helpful service to our recovering clients and their families. Since 1972, Whiteside Manor has been offering help for anyone whose lives are impacted by the disease process of addiction and alcoholism. Moving forward our blog will offer topical information about addiction and recovery and we hope you will be a frequent reader and commenter. Stay tuned for insightful and engaging topics that we can have a conversation about!


Whiteside Manor Mission Statement
Our addiction treatment mission is to rebuild lives, restore families and improve communities. This is accomplished by providing quality, individualized and comprehensive addiction treatment for those experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs and associated mental illnesses. We are committed to excellence in the delivery of care and services to our recovering clients and their families.