Substance Abuse in the Elderly: 2024 Statistics & Data

This increase is believed to be partially endorsed by the baby boomer generation, born between 1946 to 1964, who had significant exposure to alcohol and drugs at a younger age. Substance abuse is difficult to recognize in the older adults, but once identified, presents its own challenges as only 18% of substance abuse treatment programs are designed for this growing population. Substance abuse overall may increase the risk of fractures secondary to recurrent falls, memory loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. In this article, we will review the signs and symptoms, risk factors, screening tools, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria, and challenges of treating substance abuse in the older adults. Educate clients about social media and online social networking support. Online technologies— including social media applications and social networking websites—may be an important way for older adults to expand their support networks.

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A few small-scale studies found that the prevalence of substance use is higher in the North-eastern states of India [21–23]. A national study shows the current tobacco usage among older adults with at least one chronic disease is significantly higher in the Northeast region (47.6%) in India [25]. This report did not provide comparable information on frequency of prescription drug misuse.

Other Abused Substances

Combined 2007 to 2014 NSDUH data indicate that, on an average day, 6.0 million older adults used alcohol (Figure 1).5 Older adults who used alcohol in the past month drank an average of 1.8 drinks per day on the days they drank. NSDUH data indicate that older adults who used alcohol in the past month drank on an average of 11.1 days per month. Readers can search for information on drugs and have access to a searchable pill identifier, FDA alerts, news, and other resources for preventing unexpected consequences from medication use. Retirement savings can quickly dwindle when diverted to support an addiction, leaving older adults vulnerable to financial insecurity in their later years. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety, potentially fueling the cycle of addiction further. As we face the growing challenge of addiction in older adults, let’s remember that behind every statistic is a human being with a lifetime of experiences, hopes, and dreams.

Chapter 9—Resources for Treating Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults

GATS [18] estimates that 266.8 million adults in India, who are 15 years of age and older, use tobacco in some way on a daily basis which accounts for 28.6% of them. In India, every tenth adult smokes tobacco, which amounts to 99.5 million people, and every fifth adult uses smokeless tobacco, which amounts to 199.4 million people, with the North-eastern area of the country displaying the highest prevalence of all the other states. Additionally, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), adult alcohol per capita consumption (APC) in India has significantly climbed from 2.4 liters, 4.3 liters, and 5.7 liters in 2005, 2010, and 2016 correspondingly [19].

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The resources support and expand on the materials contained in each chapter of the TIP. In recent years, the number of older adults suffering from addiction has risen. This alarming trend is due to a combination of factors — including an increase in access to prescription drugs and alcohol and a decrease in family support and social interaction that occurred during the pandemic.

Provider Resources

They sometimes experience minimal disruption to their lives, but this should still be taken seriously because substance use or abuse of any level—especially for the elderly—can exacerbate health problems. While substance abuse and addiction substance abuse in older adults are grouped into one diagnosis—substance use disorder (SUD)—by the DSM-V, different organizations and professionals still separate them into categories. Support groups are vital for older adults suffering from substance abuse issues.

Tobacco Use

Their stories remind us that it’s never too late to seek help, that strength can be found in vulnerability, and that recovery is possible at any age. For those seeking resources, organizations like AARP and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer valuable information and support for older adults and their families dealing with addiction. Promoting awareness and reducing stigma around addiction in older adults is a vital first step. We need to challenge our preconceptions about aging and addiction, recognizing that it’s never too late to seek help and make positive changes.

Additional Resources Serving Older Adults

• Past-year PTSD occurs in only about 0.4 percent to 2.6 percent of people ages 65 and older.401,402 Many people with trauma do not meet criteria for PTSD but do meet criteria for depression.403Thus, depression screening is important in older clients who misuse substances.
• One of the challenges when discussing substance abuse and addiction within the elderly community is the changing definition of the word “elderly.” While most sources say this group is age 65+, some go as young as 55, while others focus on 70 or 75 and older.
• Refer high-risk clients to a program where specialized SUD treatment services are available, if possible.
• The first section of Chapter 7 describes the importance of social support in promoting and maintaining health, wellness, and recovery among older adults who misuse substances.
• Because of the natural physical and mental health challenges that come with aging, substance abuse can disproportionately negatively affect older adults.
• Knowing how to keep older adults interested and willing participants in the screening and assessment process (e.g., knowing what to say to older clients and how to say it).

To find organizations that offer a licensed CDSMP, go to /evidence-based/map-of-programs. Also check with the AAA or the Aging and Disability Resource Center (if available) for your community. Provides information on and links clients to local or online CDSMP services. Explore how your clients’ understanding of spirituality relates to their overall well-being, experience of recovery, sense of meaning and purpose, health, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and coping with loss, stress, or adversity. For older adults in retirement, occupational wellness may be more about satisfaction and enrichment from nonpaid work such as volunteering in the community or a satisfying hobby like gardening or painting. Recommending that family members and other caregivers participate in family support groups for caregivers and mutual-help groups for family members such as Al-Anon.