As the aging baby boomer era becomes the senior-citizen population, these senior citizens struggle with a number of substance abuse issues. Senior drug treatment may help older Americans live a higher quality of life, during what should be their Golden Years. Treatment counselors who offer senior drug treatment see the challenges that senior citizens face, and exactly how they don't want to be stigmatized due to their drug abuse issue. Luckily, they don't need to be, and they can be in a rehab setting alongside their peers who also know what they're going through which adds a tremendous volume of support within this difficult experience. Seniors don't always realize what risks are involved if they don't get help for drug abuse, because seniors specifically experience an increased sensitivity to the effects and side effects of alcohol and drug use. They are also more prone to accidents, injuries and other impairments because of their age, which magnifies the bad effects and side effects of their drug abuse. Seniors may need help from their family to make the decision to seek senior drug treatment, and family members and friends must do anything it takes to encourage them to rehabilitation and restore their quality of life.