Substance use disorder (SUD) is a growing issue in adults aged 65 and older in the United States. Older adults are more likely to take prescription medications and experience chronic health problems associated with aging, including chronic pain. These factors, as well as stressors such as grief and loss of independence, may contribute to substance misuse and complicate SUD treatment in older adults. NIDA conducts and supports research to better understand how current and previous substance use affect the aging brain and how to tailor SUD treatment to meet the unique needs of older populations. Read the DrugFacts
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Use the SAMHSA Treatment Locator or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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Related Resources
- Substance Use Treatment for Older Adults (SAMSHA)
- A Day in the Life of Older Adults: Substance Use Facts (SAMSHA)
- Facts About Aging and Alcohol (National Institute on Aging, NIH)
- Pain: You Can Get Help (National Institute on Aging, NIH)
- NIH Pain Consortium Resources (National Institute on Aging, NIH)
- NIH Pain Consortium Infographics (National Institute on Aging, NIH)
- Centers of Excellence in Pain Education (CoEPEs) (National Institute on Aging, NIH)
- Growing Older: Providing Integrated Care for An Aging Population (SAMSHA)