Throughout the United States, an estimated 1-2 million older adults are in need of treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs)1.


From 2009 to 2020, the number of Ohio seniors (aged 55+) seeking addiction treatment rose by 53%, from 109,412 to 167,200​2.


Seniors now make up 12% of all people admitted for substance use treatment in Ohio2.


Opioid addiction impacts 1.4% of Ohio’s population, with the state having a higher prescription rate (47.9 opioid prescriptions per 100 people) than the national average3,4​.


In Ohio, misuse of prescription drugs like opioids and sedatives is a growing issue among seniors, fueled by easier access to medications2,3.​


Seniors (aged 65+) accounted for 213 overdose deaths in 2021, up from 153 in 2019​3.


Seniors with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety are at increased risk for substance use disorders2.


Older adults metabolize alcohol and drugs more slowly, leading to a higher risk of intoxication and dependency2​.


In Ohio, seniors aged 65+ saw an increase in drug overdose deaths, contributing to 213 deaths in 20213.


Ohio’s seniors face a higher rate of opioid prescription availability, leading to increased misuse​3.


Deaths from opioid overdoses among seniors in Ohio have been climbing steadily, particularly due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl​3,4.


1 - ATTC Network
2 - SeniorLiving.org
3 - White Light Behavioral Health - Columbus
4 - Addiction Group