As we previously reported, addiction rates among older Maine residents have been rising and opioid addiction in this group remains especially hard to detect. Now, new outreach efforts and expanded access to treatment are giving seniors a clearer path to recovery.
What Has Changed for Older Maine Residents
Since our earlier coverage of addiction rates rising among seniors in Maine, more has come to light about why older adults in the state are struggling and what is being done about it.
Experts say the same factors driving rising addiction rates, isolation, loss of loved ones and the stigma of older generations are now being addressed more directly by local treatment providers.
Johnny Loftus, an OPTIONS Liaison at Sweetser, which is a Maine behavioral health organization, says that while fatal overdoses among seniors remain a concern, there is a meaningful shift happening. More older Mainers are accessing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) than ever before.
Why Opioid Addiction Is Still Hard to Spot in Seniors
One reason opioid addiction in older adults continues to go unaddressed is that its signs often look like normal aging. Memory loss, frequent falls, slowed movement and cognitive decline can all be symptoms of opioid use disorder, but families and even doctors may chalk them up to age.
Common signs of opioid addiction in seniors include unexpected mood changes, withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep habits and unexplained physical decline. If you notice these signs in an older loved one, it is worth having an honest conversation or reaching out to a professional.
More Seniors Are Finally Getting Help
The good news is that more older Mainers are now receiving the treatment they need. Loftus attributes this to several overlapping shifts. Better outreach and awareness, a reduction in stigma and primary care doctors being more proactive about screening older patients for substance use.
The use of buprenorphine treatment, used in MAT programs, is becoming more accessible across the state. Loftus is clear that the rise in medication use does not mean more people are developing addictions, it means people who have been quietly struggling for years are finally getting connected to care.
Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and support to treat substance use disorders.
For opioid addiction, medications like buprenorphine work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to focus on recovery.
MAT is considered one of the most effective tools available for opioid addiction treatment and is now widely used in Maine addiction treatment centers.
Finding Opioid Addiction Treatment in Maine
If you or an older loved one may be struggling, local resources are available and easier to access than many people realize.
Addictions.com lists verified rehab treatment centers to help you start treatment. Call
800-681-1058
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