Understanding Addiction Treatment Options in The Villages

The Villages is an adult 55+ retirement community, filled with older adults living the next chapter in their lives. People of an older age may find themselves with extra time on their hands and may begin to experience health issues, pain, and cognitive issues. Without a healthy outlet, sometimes substance abuse becomes a way to cope with boredom, emotional pain, or physical ailments. What may start as having a drink or two in the evenings can easily turn into an addiction, as can changing the way you use your prescription medication.

Addiction is a complex disorder that can happen to anybody, and recovery takes more than willpower alone. Comprehensive addiction treatment in The Villages that incorporates evidence-based treatments like behavioral health care, psychotherapy, group therapy, and mental health services with relapse prevention training, community connections, healthy living programs, and medication management will address the underlying issues surrounding substance abuse, and give you the tools you need to get sober and stay sober long-term.

Transform Your Life Today
Talk to Our Recovery Specialist

Call Now: (877) 855-3470

The Need for Specialized Addiction Treatment for Retirees

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has recently found that alcohol and prescription drug abuse affects nearly 17% of all adults over 60. The main substances abused by older adults are alcohol, opioid medications, and benzodiazepine medications, all of which have been deemed as not safe to quit cold turkey. These substances cause serious withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable, and painful, and in some cases, can lead to severe reactions like seizures, delirium tremens, and death. Along with these risks are the complications that an older person may experience. Drug and alcohol addiction can worsen health issues like high blood pressure, liver issues, and heart problems, as well as mental health concerns like depression or anxiety. 

Due to the greater health risks that come with detoxing, joining a specialized inpatient treatment plan is often the safest course of action to take if you’re aged 60+. Inpatient rehab provides round-the-clock medical and mental health care and will give you the peace of mind you need as your body recovers from drug and alcohol abuse. You may also have a medication-management program and holistic healing incorporated into your treatment to help you stay comfortable and healthy as you begin your recovery journey. 

Recovery Village Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Key Features of Inpatient Addiction Treatment

 

At WhiteSands, we offer luxury inpatient treatment programs that focus on your entire well-being, not just on the chemical dependency that comes with addiction. You will move into a private room with a private bathroom and a satellite TV, eat healthy food, and have full access to all of our luxury amenities in the evenings. A typical day at WhiteSands starts early in the morning. You will get up, get ready, join us for a healthy breakfast, then start your evidence-based therapeutic program. Treatment at WhiteSands is customized to each individual, and may include some or all of the following:

  • Cognitive behavioral approaches
  • Psychotherapy and one-on-one therapy
  • Family sessions
  • Group therapy approaches
  • Medical and psychiatric approaches
  • Counseling sessions
  • Medication management services
  • Life skills programs
  • Relapse prevention programs 
  • Case management services 

You will also have the option to participate in holistic programs and healthy living programs. All together, these programs and approaches are designed to address the underlying causes of substance abuse and addiction, while giving you new coping strategies and life skills that will reduce your chances of relapsing after treatment. 

Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment for Retirees

At WhiteSands, we offer multiple outpatient levels of care for our retiree clients as well. These are all programs you can attend while continuing to live at home (or stay in a sober living residence), with scheduled appointments, groups, and treatments. Our partial hospitalization program is a short-term day/night program that offers full days of therapy, groups, medical care, and a weekly psychiatric visit, while our intensive outpatient plan is much more flexible, running three days per week with group and individual therapy, medical care, and meetings with your assigned life skills coach. Some of the biggest benefits to outpatient addiction treatment for older adults include:

  • It generally costs less than an inpatient program would cost
  • You have greater flexibility and can live your life the way you want while getting treatment
  • You can practice your new coping skills when you go home in the evening
  • You can live at home and stay close to family, friends, and other support

WhiteSands outpatient programs include case management services to keep you connected with doctors and psychiatric resources. We also incorporate community outreach, support group meetings, and other social supports, so you never feel alone on your recovery journey. 

Holistic Approaches in Treating Addiction Among Retirees

While evidence-based treatments are the most important factor to consider when choosing addiction treatment in The Villages, a holistic approach that considers your mental, emotional, social, and behavioral health will bolster your spirits, strengthen your body, and improve the way you feel. Some of the additional holistic options we offer at WhiteSands include exercise programs, healthy food with nutritional education, art and music therapy, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and massage therapy.

Importance of Tailored Treatment Plans

Every person is unique, not only in superficial ways but also in the underlying reasons for doing what they do, including abusing drugs and alcohol. At WhiteSands, we take care to assess each of our patients thoroughly so we can provide the right types of care, including mental health treatments, addiction therapy, behavioral therapy, medical care, and social services. Older adults dealing with addiction may have concerns including suicidal thoughts, co-occurring health problems, or a lack of social support at home. Through a tailored treatment plan we can address all concerns to give each of our clients the best possible chance of staying sober, long after they leave our treatment center. 

Our programs are also designed to help you meet your personal recovery goals. For example, if you’ve always wanted to get fit and healthy, we can tailor your treatment plan to include physical training sessions, swimming, and nutritional counseling. If you’ve been feeling lonely there are ways to build your community and your support system up around you, or if you’re simply looking to become a person your friends and family can count on, we can help you work on that goal as well. 

Community and Family Support in Addiction Recovery

There is strong evidence that if a person has a good community of supportive friends, family, and other community members around them, they will have a better chance of achieving long-term recovery. There are many reasons for this, which include:

  • Having supportive people to talk to when you’re having a hard time
  • Feeling loved and cared for, in good times and difficult times alike
  • Being able to rely on loved ones to meet your needs
  • Having people to spend time and be social with, away from drugs and alcohol
  • Being able to be of service to others, providing yourself with a strong life purpose

Getting your loved ones involved in your recovery will not only strengthen your support network, but it will also foster better understanding and communication between you. Family therapy can help you communicate better with loved ones, and spending time out in the community can give you a better sense of yourself and your place in the world. 

WhiteSands Treatment Can Help Retirees in Villages with Addiction Treatment

At WhiteSands, your comfort comes first, because we know that a person who feels safe and comfortable will be better able to walk away from drugs and alcohol. Through our customized, comprehensive treatment plans, we will do all we can to make sure you feel supported as you take control back over your life. If you’re ready to get started, you can call us today at (877) 855 3470.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.