What are common drugs of choice for older adults facing substance abuse issues?

The selection of alcohol and prescription drugs as common substances of choice for older adults facing substance abuse issues is grounded in several key factors related to the demographic characteristics, medical needs, and social environments of this age group. Older adults often have a higher prevalence of chronic pain and medical conditions that may require the long-term use of prescription medications, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. This creates a risk for misuse, particularly as they may unintentionally combine these medications with alcohol, leading to addiction or adverse health effects.

Furthermore, alcohol remains a socially accepted form of substance use among older adults, sometimes used for relaxation or coping with loneliness and depression, which can be more prevalent in this population. The combination of these factors makes alcohol and prescription medications particularly susceptible to misuse among older individuals, thus establishing these substances as the most commonly abused within this demographic.

This choice aligns with the patterns observed in substance use disorder research, which underscores the importance of recognizing substance abuse that can arise from legitimate medical needs as well as psychosocial factors in the lives of older adults.