What leads a senior to engage in substance abuse?
Seniors abuse substances for reasons that are similar to those of any other population. Senior citizens may experience a large number of stressors related to limited financial resources; decreasing social support as friends and loved ones age and pass away; poor physical and/or mental health; and increased burdens of caring for spouses or other aging family members. Any one of these can cause stress, but in combination, they can be overwhelming and lead to depression and anxiety. If the individual has not developed healthy coping strategies throughout his or her life, they may turn to an easy outlet to escape from reality. Additionally, older age is associated with more health problems and pain in various forms, which may result in abuse of or addiction to substances in an effort to “self-medicate”. What substances do older adults abuse? Because it is legal and relatively inexpensive, seniors may begin to abuse alcohol. As a common part of social situations, alcohol does not carry the
