Rehab for Seniors
Castle Craig offers residential treatment that encompasses everyone, including kind and compassionate drug and alcohol rehab for seniors. Our clinic is located within 50 acres of private woodland in the Scottish Borders, combining historic Georgian architecture with modern treatment facilities and pioneering research. Castle Craig has over 37 years of experience, offering a supportive environment where older patients can recover under the care of a multidisciplinary team.
If you or someone you know is living with substance use challenges, we are here to help guide you on your path to wellbeing.
Care programmes that fit seniors’ at alcohol & drug rehab
Castle Craig does not run a separate programme for older adults. If you come to us, you join the same medically-led residential programme as all adult patients.
What changes is how our clinical team responds to you as an individual. We understand that older adults have a different set of physical and emotional circumstances. They account for those from the first day of your assessment.
The care wrapped around you is shaped by what you need. That includes your physical health, any medications you are already taking, your mobility, your mental health history, and what has led you to seek help now.
We have been offering treatment that genuinely works for more than 37 years. In that time, we have treated people at every stage of life, including many well into their 70s and beyond.
Why drug and alcohol addiction in seniors can be different
Alcohol and drug use in later life is more common than many people realise – and more frequently missed. According to the ‘Drink Wise, Age Well’ programme, two-thirds of all hospital admissions caused by alcohol occur among people aged over 55, with just 3% for those under 25. The NHS spends more on alcohol-related treatment for people in that age group than for any other.
Addiction in older adults can go untreated because it is often attributed to other causes. Research published by Cambridge University Press described this as an invisible epidemic in the UK, leading to physical and psychiatric damage.
Alcohol use disorder in older adults
Age UK’s submission to the ‘Commission on Alcohol Harm’ noted that more people are beginning to drink harmfully as they age. Separately, people who have lived with long-term alcohol use disorder are now living longer. This means that the population of older adults with dependencies is growing.
Retirement, bereavement, chronic pain, and loss of identity or previous daily structure are among the factors that can increase alcohol use or make an existing substance use disorder harder to manage. Research by Drink Wise, Age Well, involving more than 16,700 participants over 50, found that higher-risk older drinkers are:
- Less likely to feel they are coping with the stresses in their life
- More likely to have a longstanding illness or disability
- More likely to have felt downhearted or depressed in the past month, and
Prescription drug dependency in older adults
Misuse of prescription medications is the second most common substance use issue in this age group. Older adults are prescribed more medication than any other age group. Research published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology by Bennie et al. (2024) found that more than half of older people across several European countries are prescribed five or more drugs simultaneously. Long-term prescribing of sedatives, sleeping tablets, and anxiety medication can lead to physical dependency without the person ever intending it.
Recreational drug use in older adults
Research from Cambridge University Press has noted sporadic use of illicit substances among older adults, sometimes linked to influence from younger people in their lives.
Whatever the substance and however the use began, an older adult’s existing medications, physical health, and mental health create a clinical picture that requires different management from a younger patient’s.
A note on asking for help
For many people in this age group, they grew up in a period of time when addiction was often spoken about as a moral failing rather than a health condition. This can make asking for help feel particularly challenging.
The courage it takes to reach out is the same at 65 as it is at 35. Everyone deserves the same quality of care, and the Castle Craig team won’t ever see you differently.
Contact Castle Craig Addiction Rehab Centre
If you are not sure whether residential treatment is right for you, a free addiction assessment is a good place to start. There is no obligation, and no pressure to commit to anything on the call. Call us, or fill out our online form and we will come back to you.
How our medical team supports older adults through rehab
Our clinical team at Castle Craig works with older adults who come to treatment with health histories that younger patients often do not have.
Detox and medication management for older adults
Alcohol detox and safe detox from drugs in later life requires more careful medical management than in younger adults. Research by Barry and Blow (2016) identified several factors that amplify the effect of alcohol – and by extension the risks of withdrawal – in older people:
- A reduction in lean body mass raises peak blood alcohol concentration.
- Liver enzymes may process alcohol more slowly
- The central nervous system is more sensitive to alcohol’s effects.
Older people are also more likely to be taking medication that could interact with substances used, as well as the process of detox.
At Castle Craig, our medical team reviews your full medication history before detox begins. Detox protocols are adjusted to account for what you are already taking. Our medical team monitors you closely throughout and adjusts the protocol if withdrawal becomes difficult to manage.
Physical health and mobility during drug and alcohol rehab for seniors
Residential rehab can be physically demanding in ways that are not always obvious before arrival. There is structure to each day, movement between buildings, group sessions, and activity-based therapies. For older adults who come to us with reduced mobility, fatigue, or chronic health conditions, our team adjusts the pace and physical demands of the programme accordingly. Risk of falls and cardiovascular monitoring are a standard part of how our nursing team plans care for older adult patients.
At Castle Craig, we take into account the physical realities of each patient. If you have concerns about mobility or a specific health condition, raise them at your assessment. That information shapes how we plan your stay from the start.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing in older adults
Mental health and substance use can also be closely connected in later life. The World Health Organization reported in 2025 that approximately 14% of adults aged 70 and over live with a mental health condition, and that loneliness and social isolation are key risk factors for mental health conditions in later life. Grief and social isolation can drive alcohol or drug use, and dependency can deepen both.
Castle Craig specialises in dual diagnosis: the treatment of substance use disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. For older adults, this often means addressing depression, anxiety, or grief within the same treatment programme. Our therapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed approaches. They work with each patient to understand what is driving their relationship with alcohol or drugs – not just the dependency itself.
What drug and alcohol rehab for seniors looks like at Castle Craig
Drug and alcohol addiction rehab at Castle Craig is a residential programme. You live at the hospital for the duration of your stay, in a structured daily environment that includes individual therapy, group therapy, wellness activities, and time to reflect.
Castle Craig offers residential stays of four, eight, and 12 weeks:
- A four-week stay provides a structured introduction to detox and therapy – enough time to stabilise and begin addressing the root causes of your dependency.
- An eight-week programme allows for more in-depth therapeutic work and gives you more time to build the coping strategies you will need when you return home.
- A 12-week stay is often the right choice for people with a longer history of dependency, more complex physical or mental health needs, or who feel they need a more sustained period of support before discharge.
The right length for you depends on your individual situation. We discuss this at your assessment and review it throughout your stay if circumstances change.
Older adult patients often find the residential setting particularly beneficial. Being removed from the environment and habits associated with their use gives them space that is difficult to create at home. The structure of each day, and the presence of a medical team around the clock, can be particularly stabilising for older adults who have been managing complex health needs at home. Recovery from alcohol use disorder and drug addiction does not end when you leave. Before discharge, your clinical team works with you to build a plan for what comes next – including aftercare support, ongoing therapy, and connection to community resources. Recovery is a process, and our support does not stop on the day you go home.
Cost and next steps
Private residential rehab at Castle Craig typically costs between £18,880 and £38,800 per month. Total cost depends on the length of your stay and the room you choose. We can give you a specific breakdown when you get in touch.
Castle Craig works with many major private health insurers. If your policy covers inpatient addiction treatment, we can help you understand what is included and what the process for authorisation looks like. If insurance is not an option, we can talk through private pay.
NHS-funded referrals are uncommon and subject to local commissioning criteria, but your GP can advise on whether you may be eligible.
The first step for most people is a free addiction assessment. This is a confidential conversation – with one of our team, not a form to fill out alone. It helps us understand your situation and helps you understand what treatment would actually involve. There is no obligation attached to it.
Call us on 01721 546 263 or use our online form to arrange a time that suits you.
Contact Castle Craig Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, take the first step towards recovery by contacting Castle Craig. Every enquiry is handled with care and confidentiality to provide the support you deserve.
To speak with a member of our team, fill out our online form to submit your enquiry and we will call you back at a time that suits you. We are dedicated to helping you find the path to stable abstinence and a fulfilling, sober life.
Common questions about drug and alcohol rehab for seniors
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Do older adults go through a different programme at Castle Craig?
Older adults join the same medically-led residential programme as all adult patients. What changes is how our clinical team responds to your individual needs – including your physical health, your medications, your mobility, and your mental health history.
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What is the best approach to alcohol and drug rehab for seniors?
There is no single best approach to alcohol and drug rehab for seniors. Residential treatment provides round-the-clock medical support and a structured environment for detox – which matters more for older adults with complex health histories than for younger patients. For older adults with complex health histories or a high level of physical dependency, this level of support is particularly important. A free assessment helps us understand your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate approach.
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How does Castle Craig manage detox safely for older adults with other health conditions?
Our medical team reviews your full medication history before detox begins. Detox protocols are adjusted to account for any existing medications and health conditions. You are monitored closely by doctors and nurses throughout the process, with particular attention to the risks that are more common in older adults – including withdrawal sensitivity, medication interactions, and physical health risks.
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Can I attend rehab if I have limited mobility or a chronic health condition?
Yes, you can attend rehab if you have limited mobility or a chronic health condition. Raise your mobility or health concerns at assessment and our team will factor them into your treatment plan from the start. The pace and physical demands of the programme can be adjusted. Castle Craig’s clinical team includes nurses and doctors who are experienced in managing complex physical health alongside addiction treatment.
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What mental health support is available for older adults during treatment?
Castle Craig specialises in the treatment of addiction alongside co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Our therapists work with each patient individually. For older adults, this often includes exploring the emotional pressures of later life – bereavement, isolation, loss of identity or purpose – that may have contributed to or worsened their substance use.
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How long does residential rehab usually take for older adults?
Residential rehab usually takes between 4 to 12 weeks for everyone. The right length depends on the severity of your dependency, your physical health, and your treatment goals. We talk through the options at assessment and recommend what we believe is clinically appropriate.
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Does private health insurance cover drug and alcohol rehab for seniors?
Private health insurance cover for drug and alcohol rehab for seniors depends on your policy and provider. Some policies cover a portion or all of the cost of inpatient addiction treatment; others have limitations on which providers or therapy types are included. Castle Craig works with many major private health insurers. Contact us and we can help you understand whether your policy applies and how to start the authorisation process.
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Can family members be involved in my treatment?
Family involvement is an important part of recovery for many patients. Castle Craig offers family therapy as part of the programme. If you are a family member looking for guidance on how to support someone you love, our admissions team can help you understand what that involvement looks like.
Free & Confidential Assessment
Compassion, expertly delivered evidence-based practices and a patient-centred approach are at the heart of our treatment model. Request a call-back from one of our professionals on any day of the week.