Baby Boomers And Prescription Drug Addiction

For a long time now substance abuse is something that most people associated with young adults. In the last few years though, with the aging baby boomer population there is now  a new crop of individuals who can  be pinpointed as substance abusers of prescription medicine. The baby boomer population is considerably larger and able to access these medications much easier than young adults, thus the tendency for prescription drug abuse in this age group is much greater. The misconception that this generation born between 1946 and 1964 is more mature and is living a better, more quality life is drastically altered by this issue. The reality is that many boomers are taking part in just as many risky behaviors as there younger counterparts. Risky behaviors that lead to things like prescription drug abuse. Regardless of your motivation or rationale for prescription drug abuse, Mark Houston Recovery is here to help you get back on the path to recovery.

Boomers And Prescription Drug Abuse -- Shocking Statistics

Recent reports reveal that boomers accounted for half of all Americans who died of drug-related causes in recent years. In  2003 even though they accounted for only 26 percent of the population, this generation was credited for at least half of the drug related deaths. By 2020 federal officials  predict that there will be around 4.4 million Americans over age 50 with addiction problems and even more who are abusing painkillers and other prescription drugs. Startling statistics for certain but no less plausible.

Why Prescription Drug Abuse For Boomers?

Many experts attribute this abuse to a history of drug use that can be connected back to adolescence for a good percentage of baby boomers when there was a great deal of abuse of alcohol and drugs much more so than other generations. As they now near retirement age they have many issues to deal with from work stress to money problems to relationship issues. Combine the societal and psychological issues with access to medication that can alter their moods and you have an opportunity for many to take advantage of the euphoric feelings of prescription drugs. Our main concern at Mark Houston Recovery is not how you got here but how to get you back to where you should be. Back to a life free of addiction and a life full of hope and promise.