Drug abuse problems can affect your health, emotional well-being, and social relations. Worse still, continuous abuse can result in severe illnesses and increased medical costs if not controlled. Unfortunately, drug use among older adults is unrecognized as a significant issue.
Though illicit drug use declines as people age, almost 1 million older adults ( aged 65 or older) suffer substance use disorder (SUD), according to 2018 data. SUD has become a major public health concern among older adults, and it is an indicator of increased drug abuse among the baby boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964).
Most Commonly Abused Drug by Older Adults
Despite the increasing rates of prescription drug misuse among older adults, alcohol remains the most commonly abused drug by people aged 65 and older. About 65% of older people are involved in high-risk drinking, and a tenth of them binge drink. Binge drinking is drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion or within some hours for men, and four or more drinks on the same occasion by women.
Alcohol is one of the common addictions, with most admissions to substance use treatment relating to it. Luckily, recovery is possible when you get treatment with America’s Rehab Campuses. Alcohol use disorder affects many older people and puts them at higher risk for many health problems.
Other Commonly Abused Substances Among Older Adults
While alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance among adults 65 and older, it is not the only concern. Many older adults also misuse prescription medications and other substances, often unintentionally. Opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone are frequently prescribed to manage chronic pain, but can lead to dependence with prolonged use. Benzodiazepines, commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, can impair coordination, memory, and increase fall risk. Marijuana, whether prescribed or used recreationally, can also pose risks like confusion, dizziness, or anxiety in older adults. In some cases, even medications intended to help with mood disorders, such as antidepressants, are misused or not taken as directed. These substances may be used to cope with emotional pain, loneliness, or health-related stress, but they can lead to serious health consequences when not monitored closely.
When Addiction Begins in Later Life
Addiction can look different in older adults compared to younger individuals. Some seniors have lived with substance use disorders for many years and are now facing the cumulative health effects in later life. Others experience what is known as late-onset addiction, which begins after retirement or following a significant life change, such as the loss of a spouse or a medical diagnosis. Late-onset addiction is often linked to the use of prescribed medications that were originally meant to help with pain, anxiety, or sleep issues. Because these individuals may not have a previous history of substance misuse, their struggles are sometimes overlooked by loved ones or healthcare providers.
Why Substance Use Is Riskier for Older Adults
As people age, their bodies metabolize substances more slowly. This means drugs and alcohol stay in the system longer and may have stronger effects. Older adults are also more likely to be managing multiple chronic conditions, which often requires taking several medications each day. This combination, known as polypharmacy, significantly raises the risk of harmful drug interactions, accidental overdose, or misuse. Even a small amount of alcohol or a slight change in prescription dosage can lead to confusion, falls, memory loss, or hospitalizations. Understanding these risks is essential when evaluating the safety and well-being of aging adults.
Emotional Triggers for Substance Use in Seniors
Emotional challenges often play a major role in substance use among older adults. Retirement can bring a sense of loss or lack of purpose. Grief from losing a partner, declining physical health, or reduced independence can also contribute to depression or anxiety. In some cases, seniors turn to alcohol or prescription medications to manage emotional distress, sleep issues, or feelings of isolation. Unfortunately, this coping strategy can quickly spiral into dependence, especially when combined with other health factors. Recognizing and addressing these emotional triggers is an important part of treating addiction in older adults.
Health Issues among Older People Related to Alcohol
Older adults can suffer from various alcohol drinking problems, especially those on other medications, who have underlying health issues, or who drink heavily. Some of the health issues facing seniors who drink include:
Dehydration
Consumption of alcohol affects how the body reabsorbs water. Alcohol lowers the amount of water the body reabsorbs than it would without alcohol in the system. Older people are more susceptible to dehydration due to alcohol, and many people in this age group already suffer from some dehydration. Many senior citizens face dehydration due to inadequate intake of fluids.
Increased Sensitivity to Alcohol
As people age, the body’s tolerance to alcohol becomes lower, making drinking riskier for the elderly. Aging causes the body to be less efficient at breaking down alcohol, causing the alcohol to remain in the system for a longer time. This increases the risk for car crashes, falls, and other unintentional injuries.
Other Health Issues
Some health problems are common among older people. Heavy drinking can increase the threat of many illnesses that the elderly are already at risk of contracting because of their age. Some of the alcohol-related health problems encountered by senior citizens include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Congestive heart problem
- Memory problems
- Liver problems
- Mood disorders
Bad interaction with medications
Chronic health issues tend to increase with age, and older adults are often on prescription drugs more than other age groups. These prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal remedies can be dangerous or even fatal when mixed with alcohol. Medications that can be dangerous when combined with alcohol include:
- Cough syrup
- Aspirin
- Sleeping pills
- Acetaminophen
- Anxiety and depression drugs
- Pain relief drugs
Recognizing Signs of Substance Misuse in Older Adults
Substance misuse in older adults can be difficult to recognize. Many of the warning signs overlap with other age-related conditions or may be dismissed as part of the normal aging process. However, some common signs to watch for include changes in sleep or eating patterns, mood swings, irritability, poor personal hygiene, unexplained bruises, and erratic behavior. If your loved one is withdrawing from social activities, forgetting medication schedules, or showing signs of confusion more often than usual, it may be time to seek professional support. Identifying these signs early can help prevent more serious health complications.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, know that help is available, and recovery is possible at any age. America’s Rehab Campuses offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to the unique needs of older adults. Our programs provide medical supervision, therapy, and support in a safe and respectful environment. Whether the addiction began recently or has persisted over time, our team is here to guide you through every step toward recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our senior-focused treatment options and begin the path to healing.
