Drug addiction deaths rose sharply among older Americans in 2020
During the first year of the pandemic, alcohol and drug-related death rates increased among the elderly as lockdowns and isolation have spread.
Deaths from substance abuse, particularly alcohol and opioids, rose sharply among older Americans in 2020 , the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, as shutdowns disrupted routines and isolation and fear spread, federal health researchers reported Wednesday.
Alcohol and opioid-related deaths remained much less common among older people than among middle-aged and younger people, and rates increased in all groups for years. But the steep rise - another data point in the long list of pandemic miseries - surprised government researchers. compared to the previous year, the National Center for Health Statistics found. Alcohol-related deaths, which had already been increasing for a decade in this age group, increased by 18%.
"The rate of alcohol-related deaths alcohol among older adults is much lower than among younger adults, but the change caught our attention," said Ellen Kramarow, a health statistician at the center and lead author of the report, who analyzed data from certificates. deaths.
Synthetic opioid overdose deaths account for less than 1% of deaths in people over 65, Dr. Kramarow noted. the shape of the curve jumped out at us," she said.
Physiological changes that occur with aging make older people more vulnerable to the effects harmful effects of alcohol and drugs. , because the metabolism and excretion of substances slow down, which increases the risk of t oxicity. Small amounts have bigger effects, researchers say.
Alcohol and opioids can interact badly with prescription medications that many older adults take for common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and mood disorders. Misuse can lead to falls and injuries, exacerbate underlying medical conditions, and worsen cognitive decline.
Substance abuse in older adults is often overlooked by health care providers, who rarely refer patients for treatment. Many institutions that offer rehabilitation services are adapting their programs to younger populations. Older patients have different needs and may be uncomfortable receiving treatment with people who are barely the age of their children or grandchildren.
Many baby boomers have struggled with addiction since they were young. adults. Some fell off the wagon after retirement or during the pandemic when they suddenly had more free time and little structure and lost access to treatment due to shutdowns and fear of infection. p>
Death rates indicate a widespread problem of substance abuse among the elderly. Although alcohol and drug use generally declines with age, nearly one million adults aged 65 and over suffer from a substance use disorder, according to government data. About 3% use marijuana, and one in 10 use marijuana, which is defined for men as having had five or more drinks on one occasion, and for women as having had four or more drinks.
"This is a hidden population that is often ignored," said Dr. Frederic Blow, professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Addiction at the University of Michigan.
During the first year of the pandemic, alcohol and drug-related death rates increased among the elderly as lockdowns and isolation have spread.
Deaths from substance abuse, particularly alcohol and opioids, rose sharply among older Americans in 2020 , the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, as shutdowns disrupted routines and isolation and fear spread, federal health researchers reported Wednesday.
Alcohol and opioid-related deaths remained much less common among older people than among middle-aged and younger people, and rates increased in all groups for years. But the steep rise - another data point in the long list of pandemic miseries - surprised government researchers. compared to the previous year, the National Center for Health Statistics found. Alcohol-related deaths, which had already been increasing for a decade in this age group, increased by 18%.
"The rate of alcohol-related deaths alcohol among older adults is much lower than among younger adults, but the change caught our attention," said Ellen Kramarow, a health statistician at the center and lead author of the report, who analyzed data from certificates. deaths.
Synthetic opioid overdose deaths account for less than 1% of deaths in people over 65, Dr. Kramarow noted. the shape of the curve jumped out at us," she said.
Physiological changes that occur with aging make older people more vulnerable to the effects harmful effects of alcohol and drugs. , because the metabolism and excretion of substances slow down, which increases the risk of t oxicity. Small amounts have bigger effects, researchers say.
Alcohol and opioids can interact badly with prescription medications that many older adults take for common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and mood disorders. Misuse can lead to falls and injuries, exacerbate underlying medical conditions, and worsen cognitive decline.
Substance abuse in older adults is often overlooked by health care providers, who rarely refer patients for treatment. Many institutions that offer rehabilitation services are adapting their programs to younger populations. Older patients have different needs and may be uncomfortable receiving treatment with people who are barely the age of their children or grandchildren.
Many baby boomers have struggled with addiction since they were young. adults. Some fell off the wagon after retirement or during the pandemic when they suddenly had more free time and little structure and lost access to treatment due to shutdowns and fear of infection. p>
Death rates indicate a widespread problem of substance abuse among the elderly. Although alcohol and drug use generally declines with age, nearly one million adults aged 65 and over suffer from a substance use disorder, according to government data. About 3% use marijuana, and one in 10 use marijuana, which is defined for men as having had five or more drinks on one occasion, and for women as having had four or more drinks.
"This is a hidden population that is often ignored," said Dr. Frederic Blow, professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Addiction at the University of Michigan.
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