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Addiction is rising among older adults

The symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging

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By:
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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

Updated:

key insights:

  • Substance use disorders among older adults are increasing, driven by longer life expectancies, chronic pain, social isolation, and changing attitudes toward alcohol and drugs.
  • Experts say addiction in seniors often goes undetected because symptoms can resemble normal aging, dementia, or other medical conditions.
  • Health professionals are urging routine screening and age-specific treatment as the aging U.S. population faces a growing but largely overlooked public health challenge.

Substance use disorders among older adults are becoming an increasingly significant public health concern, yet many cases remain undiagnosed because the warning signs are frequently mistaken for the normal effects of aging, according to addiction specialists.

Many doctors say the growing number of older Americans, combined with higher rates of chronic pain, multiple prescription medications, social isolation, and mental health challenges, has contributed to a steady increase in alcohol and drug misuse among adults over 60. 

At the same time, many healthcare providers and family members overlook addiction because symptoms such as memory loss, falls, confusion, sleep problems, and mood changes are often attributed to age-related illnesses instead of substance use. 

Older adults face unique risks because aging changes the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol and drugs, making them more vulnerable to medication interactions, overdoses, falls, and other serious health complications. 

Polypharmacy — the use of multiple prescription medications — is also common in this population and can increase the likelihood of dependence or accidental misuse.

Alcohol most misused substance

Alcohol remains the substance most commonly associated with treatment among older adults, although prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and cannabis are also growing concerns. Researchers note that today’s older adults are more likely than previous generations to have prior experience with alcohol and drugs, contributing to higher rates of substance use later in life.

Some geriatric specialists say life transitions — including retirement, bereavement, declining physical health, and loneliness — can increase vulnerability to addiction. Some older adults may begin using substances to cope with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or grief, while others may continue patterns established earlier in life. 

Because addiction often goes unrecognized in seniors, specialists are encouraging healthcare providers to incorporate routine substance use screenings into regular medical visits rather than waiting until serious complications develop. Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes, and research suggests older adults respond well to evidence-based therapies and medications when care is tailored to their medical and social needs. 

As the nation’s population continues to age, some experts warn that recognizing and treating substance use disorders in older adults will become increasingly important. They emphasize that addiction is not a normal part of aging and that effective treatment can improve both quality of life and overall health at any age.