Which demographic is identified as the fastest growing at-risk group for substance abuse issues?

The identified fastest growing at-risk group for substance abuse issues is people over the age of sixty. This demographic is often overlooked in substance abuse discussions, which tend to focus more on younger populations. However, research has indicated that older adults are increasingly experiencing substance use disorders. This rise can be attributed to several factors including the normalization of alcohol consumption, the presence of chronic pain conditions that lead to the inappropriate use of prescription medications, and social isolation that can lead to increased substance use as a coping mechanism. Additionally, older adults may be less likely to seek help due to stigma or a lack of awareness about treatment resources tailored to their age group, which further exacerbates the issue.

Other groups, such as college students or those under 30, may have notable substance use problems, but the rapid increase in usage rates and the unique challenges faced by the older population highlight why they are classified as the fastest growing at-risk group.