What types of opioids are treated, and why is treatment important?

Treatment addresses a wide range of opioids—from prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone to heroin and fentanyl. Opioid addiction rapidly leads to tolerance, dependence, and high overdose risk, making early intervention essential.

What does opioid treatment involve in San Diego?

In San Diego, comprehensive opioid treatment may include medically supervised detox, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and aftercare planning.

What medications are used in MAT for opioid addiction?

Common medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone. These medications help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term recovery.

How do therapy and counseling support opioid recovery?

Therapy—such as CBT, DBT, group and individual counseling—helps clients understand triggers, reframe negative thought patterns, strengthen relapse prevention, and rebuild healthy relationships.

Is dual diagnosis care available for opioid treatment?

Yes. Many clients battling opioid addiction also struggle with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Dual diagnosis treatment in San Diego addresses both conditions simultaneously.

What role do holistic and experiential therapies play in opioid treatment?

Holistic activities like yoga, meditation, art, and experiential therapy help clients reconnect with their bodies, ease stress, and build healthy coping tools as part of their recovery.

How long does opioid treatment last?

The duration varies—ranging from several weeks in PHP or IOP to months of outpatient care combined with ongoing aftercare, depending on the individual’s needs and progress.

What support is offered after completing opioid treatment in San Diego?

Aftercare typically includes outpatient check-ins, relapse prevention planning, alumni programming, support groups, and referrals to community resources to maintain recovery after treatment.

Can I continue working or going to school while in an opioid program?

Yes. Programs like IOP and outpatient are built for flexibility, allowing clients to maintain employment, education, or family responsibilities while receiving ongoing care.

How can I begin opioid treatment in San Diego?

To start, contact Bayview Recovery Center in San Diego for a confidential assessment. Their clinical team will evaluate your history and needs, then customize a treatment plan including the appropriate level of care and support services.

Senior Addiction Treatment Program in California

Substance abuse among older adults is a growing yet often underrecognized issue. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 1 million adults aged 65 and older live with a substance use disorder. As the senior population continues to grow, so does the need for specialized, compassionate care.

At Bayview Recovery Center in San Diego, California, our rehab for seniors is specifically designed to address the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of older men facing substance misuse.

Unlike younger individuals, seniors often face different challenges with addiction—such as chronic medical conditions, age-related cognitive changes, medication interactions, and social isolation. Whether you’re a family member looking for help for a loved one or a senior ready to take the first step toward recovery, our rehab for seniors offers compassionate, specialized care tailored to your unique needs.

Which Substances Do Older Adults Abuse?

While alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance among older adults, many seniors also struggle with:

Prescription medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines can be addictive and dangerous when misused.
Over-the-counter drugs: Easily accessible but risky if taken improperly.
Illicit substances like cocaine or heroin: Illegal and highly harmful to health.
Cannabis and synthetic drugs: Psychoactive substances with unpredictable effects.
Nicotine and Vaping Products: Addictive and harmful to the lungs and brain.
Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies: Often unregulated and may cause interactions.

Many of these substances are initially used with legitimate medical intent—such as managing pain, anxiety, or insomnia—but they can quickly lead to tolerance, dependency, and adverse health outcomes, particularly when combined or misused.

What Causes Substance Abuse in Older Adults?

Substance abuse in older adults is often linked to significant life transitions and health-related stressors that accompany aging. Unlike younger individuals, seniors may not turn to substances for recreation or peer influence but rather as a way to cope with physical or emotional pain. Key contributing factors include:

Loss of a Spouse or Close Friends

Bereavement can lead to intense grief, loneliness, and emotional pain. For some, alcohol or drugs may become a way to numb those feelings or escape from the reality of loss.

Retirement and Reduced Sense of Purpose

Leaving the workforce can cause a loss of identity, daily structure, and social engagement. Without a sense of purpose or meaningful activity, some older adults may turn to substances out of boredom or existential distress.

Chronic Pain or Illness

Many seniors live with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or cancer. Medications like opioids or sedatives are often prescribed to manage symptoms, but prolonged use can lead to dependence, especially without proper monitoring.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or unresolved trauma can increase the likelihood of substance misuse. Mental health issues are often underdiagnosed in older adults, and self-medication may seem like the only accessible solution.

Social Isolation

Loneliness is a major risk factor. Seniors who live alone or are disconnected from family and community support are more vulnerable to substance abuse, as drugs or alcohol may serve as a coping mechanism or even a substitute for social interaction.

Changes in Living Situations

Moving into assisted living, downsizing, or living with adult children can bring about feelings of loss of independence or control, leading to emotional distress and increased substance use.

These challenges can lead to increased vulnerability and reliance on substances as a form of self-medication.

What Are the Health-Related Risks of Substance Abuse in the Elderly?

Substance abuse can have serious and often life-threatening consequences for older adults. As the body ages, it becomes less efficient at processing drugs and alcohol, increasing vulnerability to their harmful effects—even at lower doses.

Some of the most significant health-related risks include:

Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries: Impaired balance and coordination can lead to dangerous falls, fractures, and hospitalizations.
Harmful Drug Interactions: Many seniors take multiple medications. Mixing these with alcohol or illicit substances can result in severe, sometimes fatal, interactions.
Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline: Substance use can accelerate dementia-like symptoms, confusion, and overall cognitive impairment.
Organ Damage: The liver and kidneys, already less efficient with age, are especially vulnerable to damage from prolonged substance use.
Exacerbation of Chronic Condition: Addiction can worsen heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory illnesses, and other age-related health issues.
Higher Risk of Overdose: Older adults may overdose on smaller amounts due to reduced metabolism and increased sensitivity to substances.

Understanding these risks is crucial for early intervention and the delivery of safe and effective treatment.

What Are Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in Older Adults?

Identifying substance abuse in older adults can be difficult, as many warning signs mimic or overlap with normal aging or other medical conditions such as dementia, depression, or medication side effects. However, there are specific behavioral and physical clues that may point to a substance use issue. Watch for the following:

Changes in Sleep or Eating Habits: Sudden insomnia, excessive sleeping, or dramatic shifts in appetite may signal substance misuse, especially if these changes are unexplained by a medical diagnosis.
Unexplained Bruises or Frequent Falls: Alcohol or drug use can affect balance, coordination, and judgment, leading to increased risk of accidents, falls, and injuries that go unreported or are dismissed as clumsiness.
Withdrawal from Family and Friends: A once-social individual who suddenly becomes isolated, avoids phone calls or visits, or seems disinterested in relationships may be struggling emotionally and using substances to cope.
Poor Hygiene or Appearance: A noticeable decline in grooming, bathing, or wearing clean clothes may reflect not only depression but also a loss of motivation or preoccupation with substance use.
Forgetfulness or Confusion: While mild memory loss can be age-related, increased forgetfulness, confusion, or disorientation can also stem from drug interactions, overuse of medications, or substance-induced cognitive changes.
Sudden Mood Changes or Irritability: Heightened emotional sensitivity, outbursts, depression, or anxiety that appear without a clear cause can be red flags. These shifts may indicate chemical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Neglecting Responsibilities or Hobbies: A senior who used to enjoy certain routines or activities—such as gardening, volunteering, or attending religious services—but no longer engages with them may be struggling with a deeper issue like addiction.

If you suspect a loved one may be abusing substances, seeking senior addiction treatment in California can make a critical difference in their safety and well-being.

Our Rehab for Seniors

Bayview Recovery Center offers a compassionate, senior-friendly rehabilitation program tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. Our approach respects the pace, dignity, and health concerns that often come with aging. Key features of our program include:

Personalized treatment plans
Medical detox and supervision
Individual and group therapy
Dual diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health issues
Family involvement and support
Pain management and medication review
Comfortable, age-appropriate living arrangements

Our experienced team is specially trained to understand the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction in later life, providing care that is both effective and respectful. Whether facing long-term addiction or late-onset substance use, our senior rehab supports older adults in restoring well-being with dignity and hope.

What Treatments Are Available for Substance Abuse in the Elderly?

Treating substance abuse in seniors requires personalized care that addresses age-related physical changes and emotional challenges. At our facility, treatment is tailored to meet seniors’ unique needs, while promoting dignity, comfort, and empowerment throughout recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A proven, evidence-based method that helps clients recognize and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly effective in addressing the emotional roots of substance use, such as grief, anxiety, or depression

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

When appropriate, FDA-approved medications are used to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery. This is always done under close medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness for older adults.

Motivational Interviewing

A supportive, client-focused therapy method that strengthens motivation for change by helping individuals work through mixed feelings and uncertainty. It’s beneficial for seniors who may be uncertain or resistant to treatment.

Relapse Prevention and Life Skills Training

Individuals are equipped with practical techniques and coping strategies to identify triggers, handle stress effectively, and support long-term sobriety. Life skills in addiction recovery can also help seniors rebuild confidence and manage daily responsibilities.

Holistic Therapies

Alternative therapies such as yoga, art therapy, music therapy, and meditation are integrated into treatment to promote emotional expression, physical well-being, and inner peace. These holistic therapies support healing in body, mind, and spirit.

Support Groups Tailored to Seniors

Peer support is a vital component of the recovery journey. Group sessions tailored for older adults provide a supportive environment where individuals can connect, share everyday experiences, and foster a sense of community and understanding.

We Embrace Your Commitment to Recovery

Choosing to begin recovery at any age is a courageous act. Our rehab for seniors in San Diego, CA, offers the guidance, medical care, and emotional support necessary for a successful and sustainable recovery. We are committed to helping seniors and their families move forward with dignity, hope, and strength. Contact us now!

References

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-in-older-adults-drugfacts

Alyssa Looser-Smith( Medical Reviewer )

Alyssa is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Master’s degree from San Diego State University. She has experience working with individuals in recovery of all ages for over eight years. Alyssa has also worked with at-risk homeless foster youth transitioning into independent living along with the families in the neonatal intensive care unit at UCSD.