Seventeen percent of older adults experience problems with abuse of alcohol or misuse of prescription drugs and an estimated 20 percent of older adults experience mental disorders that are not a part of the normal aging process and may be connected to substance misuse or abuse related problems. The Council's Wellderly Program provides information and resources in effort to help older individuals, families, caregivers and social-service-providers identify substance misuse and abuse among adults ages 60 and over.

Wellderly Program services include:

• Individual and confidential counseling for seniors who want to better understand their problem
• Help for confused and concerned family members
• Community presentations by social workers and chemical dependency counselors
• Specific help in talking with an older adult who has questions about their own use or a friend's use of alcohol
• Development of on-site support groups to help with life transitions older adults must experience
• Educational materials that can aid older adults in taking better care of themselves

Facts about Seniors and Substance Abuse
Feelings of shame and stigma are greater problems for seniors. Seniors are less likely to see substance abuse problems as healthcare issues; medication management is a critical issue; mobility, hearing and vision, along with social support systems are of great importance.

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If you need help for yourself or someone you know, please contact 713-942-4100. We are here to help.