Substance Abuse

Report from Natural News: May 25, 2010
(NaturalNews) A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found a dramatic increase in illicit drug use in adults 50 and over, including an alarming incidence of non medical use of prescription drugs among women aged 60 to 64. In part, this increase points to the aging of the baby boomer generation, and reportedly may necessitate the doubling of substance abuse treatment facilities by 2020.

The SAMHSA report, entitled Illicit Drug Use among Older Adults, found that an estimated 4.7% of older adults (4.3 million) have used an illegal drug during the past year. The report further showed that men 50 and over were almost twice as likely to use marijuana over the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. In those 65 years or older, the use of nonmedical prescription drugs was found to be more common than marijuana use. 

Taking all age groups into consideration, men had the higher rate in using all types of drugs. However, women were found to have equal or greater nonmedical use of prescription drugs than men (1.9 vs. 1.7%). In particular, women between 60 and 64 years of age had a much higher rate of nonmedical use of prescription drugs, primarily for the purpose of self-medicating. Pamela S. Hyde, J. D., SAMHSA Administrator, said that "This new data has profound implications for the health and well-being of older adults who continue to abuse substances." She further went on to say that this study pointed out the need for prevention programs focusing on all age groups, together with the proper screening and referral programs to be included in routine health services.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/028858_seniors_drug_abuse.html#ixzz27610XPZO