Author: James Anderson

Substance Abuse in the Elderly: 2024 Statistics & Data

A 2019 study showed 25% of patients over 50 who misuse prescription opioids or benzodiazepines (benzos) experience suicidal ideation, compared to 2% who don’t use them. Alcohol and prescription drug abuse affects up to 17% of adults over the age of 65 per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Due to insufficient knowledge, limited research data, and hurried office visits, health care providers often overlook signs of substance abuse among the elderly. This is made worse by the fact that the elderly often have medical or behavioral disorders that mimic symptoms of substance abuse, such as depression, diabetes, or dementia.

Substances Commonly Abused by the Elderly

Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety can affect how a person perceives and responds to stimuli. This makes them more vulnerable to risky behaviors like substance misuse. Seniors with co-occurring psychiatric disorders may be more likely to try drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. It’s essential for family members and health care providers to be aware of this risk factor so they can take steps to prevent it in their loved ones. According to Harvard University, older adults metabolize alcohol more slowly than younger people. This means that drugs can stay in their system longer and have a more significant effect.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

However, nearly any mental or cognitive health challenge can be comorbid with or lead to substance abuse. Prescription drug abuse affects millions of seniors in the United States. Many resort to abusing prescription drugs for pain relief as a coping mechanism for loneliness, mental health issues, and conflicts with family members or friends. Many adults aged 65 and older engage in illicit and prescription drug abuse, but alcohol remains the most widely abused substance. The Psychiatric Times estimates that around a quarter of all prescription drugs in the United States are sold to elderly people, and close to 11% of this population may misuse these medications.

Substance use can result in psychological and physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. This type of disorder is particularly concerning when it affects seniors, as they can be especially vulnerable to the consequences of drug addiction. Opioids are the second most commonly reported substance of abuse by seniors.1 The number of fatal opioid overdoses among seniors has risen dramatically over the last decade.

Social Isolation

Chronic pain or illness Chronic illnesses or pain are often treated with potentially addictive medications. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, it may be time to take action. The content, including without limitation any viewpoint or opinion in any profile, article or video, contained on this website is for informational purposes only. Any third party contributor to any such profile, article or video has been compensated by SeniorLiving.org for such contribution. Further, SeniorLiving.org shall not be liable for any informational error or for any action taken in reliance on information contained herein. See our open data portal, or reach out to us at open- to connect with an expert on aging in America.

Older Adults and Drinking

Increased Sensitivity to AlcoholAging can lower the body’s tolerance for alcohol. Older adults generally experience the effects of alcohol more quickly than when they were younger. This puts older adults at higher risks for falls, car crashes, and other unintentional injuries that may result from drinking. There are several things that could contribute to someone turning to substance abuse later in life. These could be health-related issues or life-changing events that take an emotional toll. These events may provoke substance-abusing behavior that can result in a full-scale addiction.

  1. This means that drugs can stay in their system longer and have a more significant effect.
  2. Chronic pain is a common issue among senior citizens and can seriously impact their overall quality of life.
  3. While substance abuse and addiction are grouped into one diagnosis—substance use disorder (SUD)—by the DSM-V, different organizations and professionals still separate them into categories.
  4. In fact, the number of older adults dying from alcohol-related causes rose by 18.2 percent between 2019 and 2020.
  5. This makes them more vulnerable to risky behaviors like substance misuse.

While there are limits about what your loved one’s doctor can disclose to you, you may want to consult a physician or substance abuse professional specializing in older adults. They may help you ask the right questions about prescriptions and counsel you on approaching your loved one. Cocaine is popular because it makes many people feel great—for a little while. They may have increased self-confidence, euphoria, and desire to be social, all things older adults may miss from their youth.

Some facilities differentiate between inpatient treatment (provided in a hospital setting) and residential treatment (provided in a hotel-like environment). However, both are forms of rehab in which patients live at the treatment facility 24/7 benefitting from constant monitoring, strict routine, and around-the-clock access to treatment staff. Fortunately, addiction is a disease that can be managed with the proper treatment. For many, these changes bring a sense of isolation and loneliness exacerbated by substance abuse. Hallucinogens and marijuana are also illicit, but they are not as addictive as other substances in this category.

Opioids

Benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety, pain, or insomnia, are some of the most dangerous prescription drugs for seniors. The rate of senior citizens addicted to benzos has increased every year. One of the primary reasons older people struggle with substance use disorders is a decrease in family support and social interaction as they age. Unfortunately, social isolation is common among older adults as family members and friends move away or pass away.

The legal availability of cannabis varies by state, from fully legal to legal for medical purposes to completely illegal. Medical marijuana is commonly prescribed to older adults because it’s believed to help treat Alzheimer’s, cancer, glaucoma, and pain, among other things that frequently affect this population. Many substance abuse issues begin with casual use and normal prescription schedules.

People addicted to prescription opioids are often at risk of turning to heroin, especially if it gets too difficult to procure prescriptions. Abuse and neglect Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect by a designated caregiver. Living in abusive situations could cause people to turn to substances to cope, and neglect could result in medication misuse and eventual dependency. Additionally, many older adults grew up watching anti-drug propaganda films and being taught misinformation about addiction. These films and lessons emphasized that morality and substance use are connected, possibly making older adults believe having substance abuse problems makes them bad people. They also usually showed over-the-top, panic-inducing portrayals of people with addictions—typical addiction behaviors often weren’t portrayed.

Early recognition and treatment are some of the best ways to help anyone struggling with substance abuse issues. Senior citizens with substance use disorders significantly increase their risk of liver damage, memory issues, heart failure, and death. Many elderly adults self-medicate to reduce chronic physical pain or minimize the negative effects caused by a mental health disorder. Doctors prescribe benzos to older adults with psychiatric conditions more than any other age group. However, many of them are misdiagnosed or have too many prescription drugs, which can lead to alcohol and drug abuse over time. Alcohol or drug abuse may actually mimic symptoms of other medical or mental health disorders.