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 167,2002.
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 20193.
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 misuse3.
Deaths from opioid overdoses among seniors in Ohio have been climbing steadily, particularly due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl3,4.
1 - ATTC Network
2 - SeniorLiving.org
3 - White Light Behavioral Health - Columbus
4 - Addiction Group