Commonly Abused Drugs among Older Adults

The problem of alcohol abuse continues to be the leading drug of choice for older adults followed closely by prescription drug abuse and misuse. There is a developing trend called “the accidental addict” which is defined as older adults who begin taking prescription medication for medical reasons and inadvertently become addicted.

The most current trend among the Baby Boomer population 1946-1964 (45-63) is an increase in illicit drug use along with prescription drug use. The drugs that older adults and Baby Boomers most often abuse include:

• Alcohol
• Prescription Medication
• Benzodiazepines
• Over the counter (OTC) sleep aids, cough syrups, etc.
• Opiates (Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Methadone, etc.)
• Marijuana
• Hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, Ecstasy, Dextromethorphan)
• Heroin
• Cocaine / Crack
• Stimulants
• Methamphetamine