Epidemiology and Demography of Illicit Drug Use and Drug Use Disorders Among Adults Aged 50 and Older
Prevalence of illicit drug use is on the rise among people aged ≥50years and is projected to increase as baby boomers (born 1946-1964) age. Fuelling this increase are the large number of boomers and the popularity of substance use when they came of age. This chapter summarizes studies on the use of illicit drugs (cannabis/marijuana, cocaine/crack, hallucinogens, heroin and stimulants/methamphetamine) and inhalants, including drug use disorders, among people aged ≥50years. Illicit drug use among older adults (aged ≥50years) in the general US population increased (past-year prevalence of marijuana use: 0.7% in 1985, 2.6% in 2006 and 4.7% in 2007-2009). In the 2011 national survey in the United States, 7.9% of adults aged 50-54, 7.0% of adults aged 55-59, 4.4% of adults aged 60-64 and 1.0% of elders aged ≥65years reported marijuana use in the past year. Data from the United Kingdom also suggested an increased prevalence of drug use. Cocaine, following marijuana, was the second most used drug by older adults. However, substance abuse treatment admission data suggested a changing pattern of drug misuse, with decreased use of cocaine and increased use of marijuana and methamphetamine. Use patterns varied by age and gender, with females and older adults aged ≥65years more likely to use prescription-type drugs nonmedically than illicit drugs. Illicit drug use increased more among Blacks than Whites. Research is needed to better understand correlates of illicit drug use and predictors for developments of drug abuse and addiction among older adults.
