Just like anyone else, seniors can struggle with substance use disorders, which the National Institute of Mental Health defines as mental disorders that affect a person’s ability to control their use of alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit substances.

Opioids are a synthetic form of the oldest drug in the world. Over the years, the opium plant has been cultivated for both medicinal and recreational use. Today, these drugs are considered acceptable for some medical purposes, such as treating severe pain. However, opioids are extremely addictive, and they can cause unwanted physical and psychological effects.

In the U.S., over 19 million Americans suffer from substance abuse issues. The road to recovery is long, filled with lifelong trials and tribulations—yet many people encounter one major challenge: reentering the workforce after achieving sobriety.