Yikes!! A US study estimated that the number of adults 50 yrs+ requiring substance abuse treatment will more than double by 2020 driven in part by the increase in the number of older adults with illicit drug problems and the non-medical use of prescription drugs (Gfroerer et al., 2003).
Get this: 84% of the cocaine consumed is by people who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lives
Howie Mandel: “If we take care of our mental health like our dental health, we’ll be okay”
Is that a seniors home or a frat house?
All jokes aside, the reality of older adults and substance abuse can be quite alarming, understanding the realities of this can help us all work together to create prevention and recovery programs.
Percentage of seniors who were hospitalized due to heavy drinking: 18%
Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: no more than two standard drinks on any one day and no more than fourteen drinks per week for men and 9 drinks per week for women. Nearly 14% of seniors report exceeding this.
Read more HERE
Orange you glad you read that.
Some not so happy stuff, but learning and understanding this stuff can help lead to happier times for all!