Health Discoveries in General Health News
Elderly drug use a concern of those who offer senior services
August 16, 2010
Admissions for drug abuse treatment for older Americans nearly doubled between 1992 and 2008, according to a new study by federal researchers.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that admissions for cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs and marijuana abuse among men and women aged 50 or older rose from 6.6 percent in 1992 to about 12 percent by 2008.
The increase in illegal drug abuse should be a concern for programs that provide senior services. "These findings show the changing scope of substance abuse problems in America," SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in a news release. "The graying of drug users in America is an issue for any programs and communities providing health or social services for seniors."
The largest increases were in admissions for heroin abuse, which more than doubled from about 7 to 16 percent during the study period, and cocaine abuse admissions, which quadrupled, from about 3 percent to more than 11 percent.
The Project Outreach clinic is one of several addiction treatment services affiliated with Zucker Hillside Hospital, which is part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. The Hillside Hospital's Geriatric Center also has a comprehensive program of senior services.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that admissions for cocaine, heroin, prescription drugs and marijuana abuse among men and women aged 50 or older rose from 6.6 percent in 1992 to about 12 percent by 2008.
The increase in illegal drug abuse should be a concern for programs that provide senior services. "These findings show the changing scope of substance abuse problems in America," SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde said in a news release. "The graying of drug users in America is an issue for any programs and communities providing health or social services for seniors."
The largest increases were in admissions for heroin abuse, which more than doubled from about 7 to 16 percent during the study period, and cocaine abuse admissions, which quadrupled, from about 3 percent to more than 11 percent.
The Project Outreach clinic is one of several addiction treatment services affiliated with Zucker Hillside Hospital, which is part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. The Hillside Hospital's Geriatric Center also has a comprehensive program of senior services.