Prescription Medication and Opioids

As adults age, chronic health conditions, illness, and disease become more likely. Often, these conditions are treated by doctors with prescription medications. One commonly prescribed class of drugs – opioids – are especially potent. Opioids are usually prescribed to manage pain caused by conditions such as cancer, surgery or chronic pain. People who use opioids may grow a tolerance and end up needing to use larger doses in order to treat pain. They can also be extremely addictive and elders should work closely with their health care provider when taking prescribed opioids.


Some older adults will have multiple conditions and take multiple medications. Add in daily vitamins and supplements, and the chance of misuse and mixing medications increases drastically.


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Between 4 and 9% of adults 65+ use prescription opioids to manage pain

Older adults who use prescription medications are at risk for:

  • Mixing medications and having a major drug-drug interaction
  • Misusing prescription medications
  • Worsening existing mental health conditions

Older adults who misuse opioids, often switch to a cheaper, illegal drug - heroin

Between 4 and 9% of adults 65+ use prescription opioids to manage pain

Older adults who use prescription medications are at risk for:

  • Mixing medications and having a major drug-drug interaction
  • Misusing prescription medications
  • Worsening existing mental health conditions

Older adults who misuse opioids, often switch to a cheaper, illegal drug - heroin

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