Substance Use in the Older Adult

Course overview

Although substance use disorder (SUD) is often associated with younger individuals, alcohol and drug use is increasingly becoming a concern among older adults. As social support systems decline and personal losses accumulate, many older individuals experience heightened anxiety and depression, making them more susceptible to turning to substances for temporary relief from their emotional distress. The natural aging process compounds the negative physical and emotional effects of substance use, and substance misuse can often mimic common age-related symptoms and making it more difficult for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose the problem.