Substance use in older adults
There are a few misconceptions surrounding older adults and substance use. Typically, substance use declines after a person leaves their younger, more experimental years, but this is not always the case. In 2018, nearly 1 million adults 65 and older lived with an SUD.
Just because our elders are wiser and more experienced, doesn’t mean they are immune to struggles with their mental health. In fact, physical and social changes may make elders more vulnerable to substance misuse as they age. Older adults can also experience the effects of substance use differently than younger people.
Click or tap the icons in the image to learn more.
Older adults metabolize substances more slowly, meaning it takes longer for their bodies to process and get rid of the substance
Their brains may be more sensitive to the effects of drugs
Substances can worsen the effects of other issues such as mood disorders, lung and heart conditions, and memory problems
The effects of substances, such as alcohol, can result in accidents that pose a greater health risk to older adults
Older adults metabolize substances more slowly, meaning it takes longer for their bodies to process and get rid of the substance
Their brains may be more sensitive to the effects of drugs
Substances can worsen the effects of other issues such as mood disorders, lung and heart conditions, and memory problems
The effects of substances, such as alcohol, can result in accidents that pose a greater health risk to older adults