More Older People Abusing Drugs

Drug abuse treatment programs across the country are seeing more older users of illegal narcotics than ever before.

According to a report from a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, admissions of adults aged 50 and older in drug treatment programs has nearly doubled over the last two decades, to 12% in 2008 from 6.6% in 1992, Among those older drug users, 16% were admitted for heroin use. That is twice the number from 1992. A total of 11% were admitted for cocaine use. That is more than four times the 1992 level. Over the same period, the percentage of admissions for alcohol abuse among older adults dropped to 60% from 85%.

Good information but please someone start a discussion as to why. Is it the economy, depression? Let’s hone in on some core elements and start treating the root cause of the disease.

Source: McKnight’s