Report: Substance Abuse Rising Among Older Americans

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There is no doubt that we have a problem in this country with a growing number of people using prescription pain medications in ways they are not designed.

According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there is a rising substance abuse problem among older Americans, and we can thank this to the aging baby-boomers.  The government study finds the aging of the baby-boomer generation is resulting in rising levels of illegal drug use among adults 50 and older.  An estimated 4.3 million adults age 50 and older use illicit drugs and have used them within the past year.  Experts say that they require a doubling of substance abuse treatment services for this population by 2020. Substance abuse is a major health problem and it is only becoming a more severe issue.