Disclaimer
The resources listed on this page are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Inclusion of a resource does not constitute an endorsement by Aging in Recovery® or its affiliates. We recognize and respect multiple pathways of recovery and seek to provide links to organizations and resources that may be helpful to older adults, families, caregivers, and professionals. Content, policies, and viewpoints expressed on external websites are the responsibility of their respective organizations.
Seniors in Sobriety:
There are many elders that alcohol has robbed of hope, dignity, and the ability to cope. With treatment, the alcoholic has an opportunity to develop a satisfying way of life free from alcohol and become happily and usefully whole.
Addiction Rehab for Seniors & Elderly Adults
Seniors struggling with addiction may face unique struggles, such as increased isolation, co-morbid health conditions, and more. This article will discuss addiction among seniors, health risks, and treatment options.
Harmony Ridge Recovery Center
Overcoming Addiction Later in Life
This article discusses substance use and recovery among older adults, emphasizing that addiction is not limited to younger people and that seniors often face unique challenges related to physical health, grief, isolation, and co-occurring medical conditions. It highlights the importance of age-sensitive approaches to treatment and recovery support.
Treatment and Recovery Systems
This article explores some of the challenges and opportunities associated with growing older in recovery. It highlights the importance of long-term recovery support and recognizes that recovery is a lifelong journey that extends beyond acute treatment. The article contributes to the growing conversation about what it means to age successfully while maintaining recovery.
Empower Health Group
Senior Addiction Treatment and Mental Health Care
This article discusses the unique challenges older adults face when substance use and mental health concerns intersect with aging. Topics include chronic illness, grief, isolation, medication interactions, fall risk, and the importance of age-sensitive, integrated approaches to care. The article emphasizes dignity, family involvement, and practical support tailored to the realities of later life. While written by a treatment organization, it highlights many issues affecting older adults and seniors in recovery.
Family & Children’s Association (FCA)
The Aging Safely Prevention Coalition
The Aging Safely Prevention Coalition is a community-based initiative dedicated to reducing and preventing alcohol misuse among adults age 45 and older. The coalition promotes healthy aging, education, and supportive resources tailored to the needs of older adults. It also encourages the use of evidence-based screening and early intervention approaches, recognizing that substance use concerns among older adults deserve attention and prevention efforts.
Central Recovery Press
Aging in Recovery
By Diane Cameron
This thoughtful essay explores what it means to grow older after decades of recovery. Diane Cameron reflects on issues such as changing roles, retirement, loss, health challenges, and the need to redefine purpose and identity in later life. Rather than focusing on addiction or treatment, the article examines the experience of long-term recovery itself and the realities of aging that accompany it.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Aging With or Aging Out of Drug Use? Older Adults’ Experiences of Aging with Long-Term Drug Use
Journal of Aging and Health (2025)
This qualitative study from Sweden examined the experiences of adults aged 55 and older with long-term drug use. Through interviews with participants, researchers found that aging and drug use follow diverse paths. Some individuals wanted to stop using, others wished to continue, and many described changing patterns of use as they aged. Importantly, the authors note that older adults with long-term drug use have been largely overlooked by both drug research and aging research, underscoring the need for greater understanding of their experiences and needs.
News and Media
PBS NewsHour
As Recovering Addicts Age, Many Struggle to Get Care for Long-Term Health Issues
This PBS NewsHour segment explores the growing number of older adults living in long-term recovery and the challenges they face as they age. Featuring reporting by Wall Street Journal health reporter Julie Wernau, the segment highlights issues such as chronic health conditions, access to care, and the need for services that recognize and support long-term recovery.