Data from the 2021 and 2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health show that one in five older adults experienced a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or both within the past year. The report also found that one in eight older adults used illegal drugs in the last year. Additionally, one in eleven had a substance use disorder, and one in eight experienced mental illness.
More troubling is that less than 40% of older adults who needed treatment for substance abuse or mental illness actually received it. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said these figures highlight the urgent need for mental health services targeted at older adults.
To improve diagnosis and care, SAMHSA’s report, “Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults,” emphasizes effective practices. These include psychosocial interventions designed specifically for the older population.
The report also stresses the importance of integrating behavioral health with physical healthcare. This integration involves many providers, such as long-term care facilities, aging services, home care, and specialized medical services. Behavioral and physical health integration is one of SAMHSA’s five key priorities.
“Behavioral healthcare is a crucial part of overall health for older adults,” the report states. It calls on states to expand access to proven mental health services by improving policies and programs that support behavioral health integration.
Cannabis Use in Older Adults Matches Tobacco Rates, New Study Finds
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that cannabis use disorder among older adults is nearly as common as tobacco use disorder and shares similar risk factors.
The study looked at 4,500 older veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. It found that 10% used cannabis in the past 30 days, and among these, 36% had cannabis use disorder. The risk was higher for younger veterans, those with anxiety, those with difficulties in daily activities, recent illicit drug users, and those who frequently used inhaled or recreational cannabis.
The researchers noted that cannabis use was twice as common in the veteran group compared to older adults in the general population. Daily or near-daily cannabis use was common, with over one-third showing at least mild cannabis use disorder.
The authors warned that, with rapid cannabis legalization and growing social acceptance, more attention is needed on its negative health effects. These include risks to heart and lung health, mental disorders, and the development of cannabis use disorder in older veterans.
They also stressed the importance of screening older veterans for cannabis use and strengthening prevention efforts to reduce misuse in this population.
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