In the U.S. and throughout most of the west, the elderly population is growing. In 2011, the first cohort of the Baby Boomer generation reached age 65. This generation comprises about 30% of the U.S. population. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, this number will continue to increase. Rarely are drug abuse and addiction associated with older Americans, but recent research indicates that drug addiction and substance abuse are adversely affecting the 50+ demographic.

Although drug abuse and addiction among younger people cause dire health consequences and other financial, social, and emotional issues, these consequences are worse for older populations. Using drugs or drinking too much alcohol, even if the person is not addicted, can cause serious health issues and cognitive impairment in older adults. The following article will explore the percentage of elderly persons who abuse drugs, and how addiction affects the elderly community.

What percentage of the elderly community abuses drugs or alcohol?

A study from SAMHSA on National Drug Use and Health found that illicit drug use among the 50+ demographic had increased dramatically in recent years, as well as alcohol use and also prescription drug abuse. Abuse of prescription drugs was highest among women between the ages of 60 and 64, while alcohol was the most commonly abused substance among people older than 50. Senior men are the most at-risk of binge drinking alcohol.

Drug abuse and addiction are dangerous for anyone, regardless of their age. A young person who becomes addicted to drugs, and abuses them for many years before seeking treatment can significantly age their body and their mind. For an older person who starts taking and abusing drugs, the effects happen more quickly and can be more pronounced.

In particular, the elderly are the most at-risk of the dire consequences of abusing alcohol and illegal drugs. Drinking alcohol as a person over age 65 is incredibly dangerous, and in fact, elderly individuals are recommended to drink less than younger people. For men over the age of 65, they should only have one drink per day, while older women should drink even less.

Drinking alcohol slows down a person’s reaction times, and as people age, their reaction times naturally become slower. Alcohol magnifies these effects in the elderly. The risk of getting involved in a car accident increases after age 55, and even small, legal amounts of alcohol can increase this risk. Drug addiction can also worsen the typical effects of aging, and also exacerbate any health conditions an older individual may already have, such as osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease. Weaker cardiovascular systems make the elderly much more susceptible to a fatal drug overdose than younger persons.

For people over the age of 50 who struggle with substance abuse and addiction, these people are considered either late onset abusers or early onset abusers. Early onset abusers are people who become addicted to drugs or alcohol before they turn 65. Early onset abusers tend to have higher rates of psychiatric problems and physical health issues directly related to addiction than late-onset abusers. Of the entire geriatric alcoholic population, early onset abusers are estimated to make about 75% of the demographic.

People who have never struggled with drug or alcohol addiction are less likely to take up the habit as they get older. However, certain events can trigger substance abuse in older populations. Late-onset drug or alcohol abuse tends to happen as a result of a stressful life situation. For the elderly, they are at risk of experiencing the death of a loved one, stressful life events such as moving, or retiring, and increased social isolation that can make them susceptible to drug or alcohol addiction.

People who begin to abuse drugs or alcohol after age 65 tend to have fewer mental or physical health problems than early onset abusers. However, untreated drug or alcohol abuse in the over 65 population can significantly shorten their lifespan, and also cause physical and emotional pain that can lower the quality of their life. It’s critical that friends and family recognize alcohol or drug addiction in an elderly loved one so they can seek treatment for substance abuse.