It’s no secret that opioid addiction has become one of the biggest health crises in America in recent years. Whether it’s substances made naturally from the opium poppy (like morphine or codeine) or synthetic opioids like heroin or fentanyl, opioid overdoses took the lives of nearly 80,000 Americans in 2023. And due to the addictive nature of these substances, the withdrawal process can be daunting without the right support.
Often, when we think of drug abuse, we picture teens or younger adults as the age groups most likely to be impacted. Opioid addiction in elderly or aging adults? That often gets overlooked.
Sadly, the growth in opioid use and addiction has taken a huge toll on older Americans too. Between 2000 and 2020, drug overdose deaths in Americans over 65 increased more than 250%.
And just between 2013 and 2015, the number of adults 55 and older who sought help for opioid addiction rose by 54%.
In many cases, this addiction starts innocently, as doctors prescribe medication to help older adults with pain management. Let’s take a closer look at this crisis, including what to watch for if you’re helping to care for an aging parent or loved one.
Opioid Addiction by Age
Because there are so many types of opioids and ways of getting them, opioid abuse can look very different depending on the demographic and age group. Let’s look at the statistics on opioid use by age.
Recent data showed 1 in 8 adults (12.8%) 65+ filling an opioid prescription in a single year. For adults 18-64, that number was cut in half: 6.4%.
So while younger adults may be more likely to use illicit opioids, older Americans are getting them via prescription at a much higher rate.
And unfortunately, those prescriptions can sometimes lead to illicit drug use, even in older age groups. For example, the proportion of older adults using heroin doubled from 2013-15, as some people sought out a cheaper alternative to the pain meds they became addicted to.
Overall, the number of adults 65 and older with an opioid addiction more than tripled between 2013-2018.
As you may expect, the vast majority of opioid overdose deaths in Americans occur between the ages of 26-64. But in 2024, there were more deaths from opioids in people 65+ than in the 18-24 age group. So it’s clear that this crisis is a very real danger for the older generation.
Signs of Opioid Addiction in the Elderly
Tens of millions of Americans are in the “sandwich generation,” meaning they are simultaneously caring for aging parents while also raising their own children–and often working outside the home too.
That’s a huge burden to shoulder, and it can be overwhelming to juggle all those responsibilities. So when it comes to caring for an aging parent or loved one, what do you need to watch for when it comes to opioids?
For starters, it’s important to know the signs of opioid addiction in elderly or aging adults. Here are a few things to be aware of.
Risk factors
Risk factors for opioid abuse in older adults include things like:
- Chronic illness
- Chronic pain
- Physical disabilities
- Social isolation
- History of mental illness
- History of substance abuse
If your loved one checks some of these boxes, it means they have a higher risk of developing an opioid addiction.
Opioid Abuse Signs
For older adults, opioid abuse can be challenging to spot. That’s because it can often be mistaken for natural signs of aging:
- Confusion and memory loss
- Drowsiness or poor sleep quality
- Fatigue
- Falls
- Dizziness
- Irritability and other mood changes
If you see these signs in your parent or loved one, it may be worth taking a closer look–especially if you know they’ve been prescribed an opioid to manage pain.
How to Help Someone With an Opioid Addiction
When it comes to an opioid addiction, getting the right help and support can make all the difference. The truth is, it’s challenging to break free from these substances. And when it’s an older adult who may be struggling with chronic pain or other health challenges, it can be especially hard to know how best to help.
The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. At Sana, we have a wealth of experience in treating opioid addiction in adults of all ages. At our comfortable facility in beautiful Stowe, Vermont, your loved one will receive compassionate, skilled care 24/7 to overcome their addiction and step into recovery.
To take the first step, give us a call at 866-575-9958. We’re here to help in any way we can.
