Advances in medicine have succeeded in enhancing human longevity.
However, with longevity but not longer professional working years, people are looking at about 20-30 years of post-retirement life which is bereft of the professional working life they were used to.
Though the older adult population shows a lesser prevalence of substance use with respect to the general population, still the proportion of these older adults becoming at risk for hazardous drinking, abusing prescription medication and illicit drugs is becoming higher.
Alcohol use still remains the highest used substance amongst older adults.
Illicit drugs- use mainly cannabis use is seen more in older adults than cocaine, or methamphetamine, or other substances.
With medical marijuana being used for relief of pain and other ailments there is an increased risk of addictions to the same and health hazards in elderly individuals.
Prescription medication addictions are on the rise whether medications for pain, opioids, or sleep aids and sedatives like benzodiazepines which might be misprescribed, misused, overprescribed, etc.
The process of aging itself presents with risk factors regarding even minimal substance use and abuse based on the specific clinical manifestations like age, medical comorbidities or ailments, current medications being taken, current ailments or past health history, etc.
Understanding individual substance use and abuse hazards give a better understanding as to how to tackle the situations.
The Assessment is difficult – as there are many overlapping comorbidities that mask the abuse of substances. Also, physicians should have a non -stigmatizing approach to ask for the history of substance use and abuse extensively to understand the psycho-social-physical factors that come into play.
Some indicators of substance use
The Michigan Alcohol Screening Test – Geriatric version is one of the tests to screen in the geriatric age group.
Tailor made treatment programs that are residential in a non -judgmental, accepting, loving, comfortable, therapeutic environment is essential for the elderly age group. The physical and psychological needs and issues are addressed, Denials are broken through with care-confrontational, non -threatening approaches.
Counseling, Meditation, introspective writing, to deal with the emotional unmanageability. Yoga, Tai chi, and other physical activities to maintain a physical, physiological, and mental balance and build muscle tone.
At Anatta Humanversity we offer all this and treat them with dignity and love, enabling them to be comfortable with themselves, learn social skills, be okay with being alone and not be lonely, and at the same time discover and indulge in new hobbies, activities, safe social engagements or volunteering where the wisdom of their age can be utilized. This to make them productive individuals once again, regaining self-respect and a sense of dignity.
Managing Director and Counsellor
Primary Counsellor and Facilitator
Since 2003, he has been actively treating those afflicted and affected by chemical dependency using Meditation and Counseling as cornerstones of therapy.
Psychiatrist and Consultant
M.D(Psych) PhD.D.F.M
Dr. Jerajani is a consultant psychiatrist with a niche practice in Mumbai for the last three decades. He has worked in the field of Chemical Dependency ever since.
Administrative Director & Family Therapist
Management expert & counsellor
Vandana Hiranandani is an important part of the team of Anatta that helps organise Seminars, Workshops and Awareness Programs facilitated by Anatta Humanversity.
Director and Counsellor
B.H.M.S.,PG Hom.(Lon.)
A Bachelor in Homoeopathic Medical Science from Mumbai with a Post Graduation from The Hahnemann College of Homoeopathy – London.
Consultant Cardiologist, expert in Addiction management & HIV-AIDS care
Dr. M. Shashidhara Menon trained at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune (1974) and Institute of Naval Medicine (Mumbai University), India, has done post doctoral Fellowship training in HIV Medicine and Biostatistics from the University of South Florida, USA
Experiential Counselor
MBA (Marketing)
Mr. Rajan Pillay's journey to sobriety, since 2001, serves as a profound inspiration for clients at Anatta. His pragmatic and resourceful approach goes beyond personal narratives, incorporating valuable insights from his corporate background.