Articles

The Changing Face of Older-Adult Addiction

by Barbara Krantz, D.O.
Chief Medical Officer
Hanley Center

Every hour, thousands of leading-edge Baby Boomers turn 61. By 2030, 33.5% of the U.S. population will be 55 and older. The "Youth Generation," those born between 1946 and 1964, is aging, and with this age wave comes a surge in older-adult addiction. At Hanley Center, we already are seeing a new pattern in age 50-plus or "young older adult" addiction that differs from what we see in individuals ages 65 and older. Traditional older adults tend to suffer from alcoholism or prescription medication addiction. What we are finding with older Baby Boomers reflects national statistics. According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study conducted between 2003 and 2005, illicit drug use by people in their 50s increased by more than 60%. But we are also seeing patients in their mid-60s with heroin or cocaine addictions. Read more...

The Sober Holiday De-Stress Plan

By Carol Colleran, Executive Vice President of National Policy and Public Affairs
Hanley Center

During the holiday season, more people drink to excess, and often drive impaired, adding up to a dangerous season. There are more social occasions, and more stress as social and financial obligations and deadlines for shopping mount. The holiday season can seem like a minefield for those in recovery from alcohol or chemical dependence.
Download complete article

At 70, retirement isn't an option: Carol Colleran continues to help seniors trapped by addiction.

By Deidre Conner, The Times-Union

Carol Colleran is supposed to be retired. But the 70-year-old can't seem to take a break from the cause she never imagined she'd champion. A pioneer in the field of treating addicted seniors, Colleran received a national award for her work Wednesday from the Association of Addiction Professionals. Read more...

Older Adults and Addiction: Why Should We Care?

It may surprise you to know that over 70% of older adult hospital admissions are in some way related to alcohol or medication problems. Read more.
Download complete article

Maximizing Use of the Electronic Health Record

By Joseph C. Monastra
COO, Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, Florida
and
William R. Connors, MSW
Used with permission of Addction Professional

The national picture as it pertains to technology usage in addiction treatment facilities will change dramatically in the next five years...
Download complete article

Out of the Box: Male-Specific Treatment

By Alan Lyme, LCSW, CAP
Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, Florida
Used with permission of Counselor Magazine

At the Center for Men's Recovery, we began to explore the possibility that gender-specific treatment may benefit men as much as it has women...
Download complete article

Addiction is a Family Disease

By Terry Allen
CEO, Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, Florida
Used with permission of "Simply the Best"

Something particularly insidious about chemical dependency is that it is really a family disease, affecting the active alcoholic or addict as well as family members. The environment of an addictive home creates its own dysfunctional family system that is centered on fear, shame and denial...
Download complete article

Managing Chronic Pain

By Dr. Barbara Krantz
Chief Medical Officer, Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, Florida

You have a headache, so you reach for the aspirin or maybe the Tylenol. You have a bruise so you use ice to reduce swelling. When you've had surgery, painkillers are prescribed. The pain resulting from these situations may be acute but thankfully, it's usually temporary. Chronic pain, though, goes on for days, months or even years...
Download complete article.