Substance use disorder (SUD) does not discriminate by age. However, research has shown that substance use and SUD affect different age groups differently. This can reflect what substances are preferred by each age group and the type and severity of symptoms that may result from use. Here, we will shed light on how SUD differs between seniors and young adults. 

The Prevalence of SUD in Seniors

Substance use and SUD are becoming worsening public health issues, particularly affecting the population of older adults. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "[N]early 1 million adults aged 65 and older live with a substance use disorder (SUD), as reported in 2018 data." NIDA also explains that data from 2000 - 2012 shows that the proportion of admissions for older adults in SUD treatment increased from 3.4% to 7.0%. Since 2012, however, these numbers have continued to increase significantly.  

Substance Use Trends in Seniors

The CBHSQ Report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides vital information about substance use trends among seniors and older adults (65+). 

This report first highlights problematic alcohol use by this population, with alcohol being the most used drug among older adults. From the years 2007 to 2014, data shows that of the 16.2 million older adults who drank alcohol in the past month, nearly 3.4 million of them reported engaging in binge drinking episodes. 

Binge drinking is defined as "drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion (i.e., at the same time or within a couple of hours of each other)." Data from the same report also showed that on an average day, 6.0 million older adults engaged in alcohol use. 

Data from the same report also highlights illicit drug use trends in older adults, with nearly 470,000 older adults reporting using illicit drugs in the last month. In this report, illicit drugs referred to various categories of substances, including:

• Marijuana

• Cocaine and crack

• Heroine

• Hallucinogens

• Tranquilizers

• Stimulants

• Sedatives

Research by NIDA confirms that the recreational and medical use of marijuana has increased significantly in seniors in the last decade. NIDA also highlights the increased use and abuse of prescription medications, specifically opioid pain medicines, among seniors to treat symptoms of chronic health conditions. 

The most common reason older adults misuse and abuse drugs is to feel better. This differs significantly from why young adults engage in substance use.

The Impact of Substance Use on the Aging Process

In a publication titled "Substance Use in Older Adults DrugFacts," NIDA explains, "Aging could possibly lead to social and physical changes that may increase vulnerability to substance misuse." The brains and bodies of older adults, especially seniors, metabolize alcohol and other drugs much slower than the brains and bodies of younger adults. Similarly, seniors' brains are typically more sensitive to the effects of substance use. 

Inevitably, seniors are much more vulnerable to the development of various medical and mental health disorders. These conditions can worsen with the use of alcohol and drugs. Further, it is essential to consider the general effects of substance use, such as impaired judgment, impaired coordination, and dulled reaction time. 

These effects can put seniors at an increased risk of accidents, including falls and motor vehicle crashes. Compared to young adults, seniors who experience these types of injuries experience even greater risks to their health and overall well-being. 

The Prevalence of SUD in Younger Adults

According to SAMHSA, "In 2014, approximately 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older had a past year substance use disorder (SUD)." Of these adults, 16.3 million had an alcohol use disorder, and 6.2 million had an illicit drug use disorder. 

Another publication by SAMHSA addresses substance use in just young adults, finding that approximately 5.1 million young adults are living with SUD. In addition, millions of young adults are living with mental health disorders or co-occurring SUD, with most individuals not recognizing the severity of their symptoms. 

There are many reasons why young adults are vulnerable to engaging with substances. However, to better understand what factors increase the risk of SUD among young adults, it is essential to acknowledge common substance use trends within this population.

Substance Use Trends in Younger Adults

Compared to seniors, young adults are more likely to engage in illicit drug use. NIDA states, "[I]llicit drug use typically declines after young adulthood." However, alcohol use among younger adults also continues to be a widespread issue.

A 2014 report by SAMHSA titled "Trends in Substance Use Disorders Among Adults Aged 18 or Older" discusses the trends of substance use in younger adults. This report confirms that while alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains significant issue, the presence of marijuana use disorder is becoming increasingly problematic. Additionally, SUD related to prescription pain relievers is becoming common among young adults. 

The rise of misuse and abuse of prescription drugs – including stimulant, opioid, and depressant medications – among young adults isn't a result of attempting to treat chronic pain. Instead, young adults may use these drugs due to the common misconception that prescription drug use is "safer" or "less harmful" than other drugs. Typically, young adults engage in drug use to ease curiosity and social pressures or to feel or perform better. 

The Impact of Substance Use on the Developmental Process

The brain does not finish developing until an individual reaches their mid to late 20s. Therefore, substance use among young adults can inevitably hinder and impair brain development. The chronic use of alcohol and other drugs during these years causes lasting consequences to brain structure and functioning. 

No matter an individual's age, it is critical to understand how substance use uniquely affects different age groups. Devastating consequences can result from alcohol and drug use and especially SUD. Education and early intervention are essential to achieve lasting recovery from SUD.

Although substance use disorder knows no bounds, it affects age groups differently. The prevalence, trends, and impacts of substance use vary significantly between seniors and young adults. It can be helpful to understand these differences when beginning your recovery journey. Next Level Recovery Associates understands how overwhelming it can be to step into the unknowns of treatment and recovery. This is why we provide recovery associates to help guide and walk with our clients every step of the way. We believe in utilizing an individualized approach to treatment to meet our clients exactly where they are, no matter their age or the severity of their symptoms. For more information, contact consult@nextlevelra.com.