At Any Age, It Does Matter:
Substance Abuse and Older Adults (for Professionals)

Module 5: Recognizing Other Forms of Substance Abuse - Page 3 of 31

Introduction

Nearly 20 percent of individuals aged 60 and older are addicted to various substances. These include alcohol, tobacco, and prescription and over-the-counter medications. Older people are more vulnerable to substance abuse because they take more prescription drugs than other age groups.1

Although alcohol abuse remains the biggest concern among older adults, prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use will likely increase in the coming years. As the Baby Boom generation ages, a larger number of people will be vulnerable. In addition, many of these individuals experimented with illicit drugs in their youth and may see nothing wrong with occasional use of marijuana. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is currently conducting research on this issue.

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