May 7th is National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020
Many older adults struggle with social isolation under normal circumstances. These days, it's worse. Seniors who rely on family members and loved ones to visit them are now feeling completely alone, cut off from in-person emotional support. This can often leads to sadness, depression and substance abuse. And substance abuse in itself is a disease of social isolation.
Today, May 7th, is National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there will be nearly 75 million Americans over age 65 by 2030. Social isolation, depression, anxiety, and problems with alcohol and medications are issues that older adults face. A 2012 study from the Institute of Medicine found that nearly 1 in 5 older Americans has one or more substance use conditions and underlying mental health issues. According to 2018 data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and reported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, adults in the 75-84 and 85+ age groups are among those with the highest rates of suicide. (source: SAMHSA)
If you are an older adult and concerned about your drinking or substance use, or if you are concerned about an older adult in your life and their substance use, please call us. We support people at all stages, from those who are exploring their relationship with alcohol and substances to assess whether they are a problem in their lives through to our Advanced Recovery Phase, which helps people who decided they want a life free from drugs and alcohol, have achieved one year substance free, and want to maintain that path. Our highly specialized assessment is conducted by two therapists and includes key family members. All treatment plans are based on the individual’s exact needs and goals and consist of a tailored selection of services.
While our offices are currently closed due to the COVID-19 guidelines, we are accepting new clients and are providing our full range of services via Telehealth. We hope to be open soon to see clients in person.
If you or a loved one needs help, Freedom Institute is here for you. Click here to contact us via email at info@freedominstitute.org or call us at 212.838.0044 with any questions or for assessments and referrals. Your call will be answered by one of our team members and our clinicians are available for consultations, and all individual and group services.