The rising concern of SUD in elders
With the information you have learned so far, you might wonder why substance abuse disorder in the elderly is such a rising concern now. The elders we know today are part of the baby boomer generation, a significantly large population compared to other generations. Additionally, these same people came of age during the 60’s and 70’s, when drug and alcohol use began to be more widely accepted. Today, we have a larger than average number of elders who have been using substances for decades.
For elders, physical, social and mental changes that are a normal part of aging can also put them at risk for substance use developing into a SUD. Hover over or tap each image to learn more.
Physical health risk factors
- Chronic pain or illness
- Physical disabilities, or reduced mobility
- Changes in living situations
- Loss of loved ones
- Changes in employment or forced retirement
- Poor health
- Increase in medications and supplements
Mental health risk factors
- Previous or current mental illness
- Feelings of social isolation
- Family history of SUD