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Older Adult Services

Addressing Substance Use and Misuse among Aging Populations

Substance use and misuse among adults aged 60 and older is one of the fastest growing public health issues facing the country. Because of issues faced later in life like chronic health conditions, increased dependence on prescription medications, and isolation, aging can increase vulnerability to substance misuse. In response, The Council on Recovery is committed to providing an array of unique services tailored to the needs of the older adult population.

older adults

These services and supports include:

  • Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral (OSAR), which serves as a starting point for older adults who need help to access substance use services but are unsure where to begin. Services through OSAR can include limited sessions of brief supportive counseling and referrals to treatment options such as residential treatment, outpatient treatment and detox services.
  • Navigation Services, which allows older adults to create their own customized pathway based on their goals and needs.
  • Recovery Support Services, which provides older adults one-on-one help and guidance on the road to recovery from recovery coaches with lived experience.
  • Individual Therapeutic Counseling through The Center for Recovering Families, which provides older adults a licensed therapist who can offer compassionate support in challenging times, such as dealing with an addiction or co-occurring mental health disorder. Their counseling can help make positive behavior changes aimed at long-term recovery.

The Council on Recovery also offers education to older adults, their families and caregivers about substance use and misuse through community presentations and CEU events. For a list of upcoming workshops and CEU events, view our workshops calendar.

If you, a loved one, or a client/patient is an older adult struggling with substance use or a co-occurring mental health disorder, The Council is the place to start. Contact us through our website today or call us at 713-942-4100.  Telehealth options are available.