After World War II ended millions of men returned home to their waiting sweethearts and started their own families to accompany the vision of the house with the white picket fence and 2.5 kids in the suburbs. 3.4 million babies were born in 1946, 20 percent more than in 1945, more than ever before, kick-starting the “baby-boom.” Another 3.8 million were born in 1947, 3.9 million in 1952, and another 4 million every year from 1954 to 1964. There were 76.4 million baby boomers in the U.S., making up almost 40 percent of the population. These babies grew up in an era of “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” with Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Woodstock, Punk Rock, and Hair Metal. In this time marijuana, hallucinogens such as LSD (help made popular by Ken Kesey), opium, and cocaine became widely popular amongst the youth of the time. These babies then had babies of their own, becoming parents, and eventually grandparents. Now in 2017, baby boomers are between the ages of 53 and 71 years of age. After raising their own children and even helping their children with their own families as grandparents they may also have to help their own parents, getting close to retirement or retiring, woman have most likely been through menopause, and doctor visits become more frequent, drugs become a relief from the stresses and discomforts of this age group.
Some may feel as though they deserve the “break” they find in drugs after all they have accomplished and all the stresses they face, others find themselves becoming addicted to the prescription drugs their doctors give to them for pain or other ailments. Some of these baby boomers started drugs in their teen years and never stopped, others may have experimented when they were younger but didn’t start using regularly until they had either more time or more stresses in their life.
In 2012 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) said that almost three fourths of all baby boomers in treatment had addictions that began before the age of 25 and about half of all baby boomers have experimented with illicit drugs, almost 38.2 million people. Drug use doubled from 2002 to 2012 amongst baby boomers. Specifically, those aged 55 to 59 drug and alcohol use more than tripled during the same time period. Alcohol is the most abused substance amongst baby boomers along with cocaine. In 2007 to 2012, two percent of new addictions included cocaine. People between the ages of 45 and 64 in 2012, had the highest rate of inpatient hospital stays for opioid abuse. In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that more than 12,000 older adults died from accidental drug overdoses, more than car crashes or influenza and pneumonia. This was the first time this age group had higher overdose deaths than 25 to 44 year olds. The 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health authors stated that 4 million adults over 50 needed substance abuse treatment; 0.4 million needed treatment for illicit drugs, 3.2 million needed treatment for alcohol abuse, and 0.4 needed treatment for both. Government researchers estimate that more than 5.7 million baby boomers will need treatment by 2020. Drug arrests also remain high for this age group while younger ages continue to fall. Baby boomers have always remained high on charts measuring drug use from the 1970s till now.
How Substance Abuse Affects Baby Boomers
As people age their metabolism slows down which can affect how the body processes the drugs. This also makes overdose more likely. However, it doesn’t stop doctors for prescribing medications sometimes for pain which the body experiences more of as we age, sometimes for depression, sleeping problems, and many other things. The average male baby boomer has four prescriptions. These people are also at an age where many of their friends and loved ones are starting to pass away. They can feel less needed as their children move out and start their own families. Which also gives them more time to themselves where people may not notice the abuse happening. They can also feel as though they have not achieved enough in their life. All of these things can add to the reason why depression also plagues baby boomers. An important thing to note is that there are so many people in this demographic that of course there will be higher numbers compared to other generations. That does not however, dismiss the epidemic that this generation faces. Most baby boomers grew up in a time with the idea that drugs weren’t bad but a way of expanding one’s understanding of life, love, the universe, and even spirituality. They know many people who used drugs and went on to become successful leaders, CEOs, parents and live fulfilling lives. For these people hearing the destruction drugs can cause to one’s life seems almost irrelevant because they know so many people who did become successful. Regardless of how people maintain their abuse, jobs, and families the effects that drugs have on the brains and bodies of users doesn’t change. Drugs don’t do less damage if you are a CEO, a parent, or a grandparent. Drugs still ruin neurotransmitters in the brain, still imbalance chemicals in the brain, and can still cause someone to overdose. There is help for all addictions and for all ages including for baby boomers. Baby boomers are usually more open to treatment than older generations and also tend to do better with treatment with less chances of relapse.
Finding Effective Substance Abuse Treatment for Baby Boomers
It’s never too late to make the change and live a life that’s free of drugs and alcohol! There is no age-cap to recovery! If you or a loved one is ready to seek treatment for addiction, substance abuse and/or mental health issues please contact us here, or call 1-888-986-7848. Our admissions team can help review your insurance and find the best program, suitable for your specific needs.
