Substance Use and Addiction
Alcohol
Benzodiazepines
Cannabis
Opioids
Substance Use and Addiction in Older Adults
Substance misuse and dependency among older adults is a growing but neglected issue. With many older adults taking sometimes complicated regimens of multiple prescribed medications each day, substance misuse is common.
Because of physiological changes, older adults are much more vulnerable to the negative effects of substance use and misuse. Alcohol, cannabis and medications commonly given to older adults to manage pain, anxiety, sleeplessness and depression can have a negative effect on the cognition, emotions and physical health of older adults.
Substance Use in Older Adults
Discover a variety of resources on substance use in older adults.