Substance Use and Older Adults

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Aging and Substance Use

As we age, changes in the body such as lower water content, less-efficient metabolism and excretion and increased brain sensitivity may cause alcohol and other drugs to have a stronger effect.

Learn how substances impact you as you age

Alcohol
Medications like opioids and benzodiazepines (benzos)
Cannabis (marijuana, weed)

Tips for healthy aging

Talk with your doctor

Ask about risks of using substances with your medication.
Use your medication only as directed and do not stop without talking with your doctor.
Ask about alternatives, especially for pain.

Limit your use of alcohol and cannabis

If you are going to drink alcohol or use cannabis, go slow until you know how it will affect you.
Do not drink alcohol or use cannabis and drive.

Aging and Substance Use: What you should know

Aging & Alcohol: What you should know

Aging & Medication: What you should know

Aging & Taking Opioids & Benzodiazepines: What you should know

How does alcohol affect you as you age?

Your alcohol tolerance decreases.
Aging lowers the body’s tolerance for alcohol, meaning you can become intoxicated and impaired with fewer drinks.
Alcohol can make your health problems worse.
Alcohol can make common health problems worse, such as diabetes, liver problems, memory problems, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and heart disease. You should not drink alcohol if you have dementia or are taking medications that interact with alcohol.
Alcohol can interact with your medications.
Many prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies can be harmful or even deadly when mixed with alcohol. Alcohol can prevent some medications from working or increase its potency. Medications prescribed for pain, sleep or anxiety can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol.
Alcohol can increase your risk of injury.

How does taking both opioids and benzodiazepines affect you as you age?

You are more sensitive to medications.
Aging makes your body more sensitive to medications, making it harder to process certain medications. This means that it takes less to create a risk of a medical emergency, such as an overdose or other harmful effects.
Taking opioids and benzodiazepines together can be dangerous.
When taken together, even for a short time, they can increase risk of a medical emergency such as loss of consciousness, confusion or memory loss, slow or difficult breathing, extreme sleepiness and death.

Opioids are powerful medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to manage pain. Common opioid pain medicines are hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (Percocet®, Oxycontin®).
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are also powerful medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to manage insomnia, seizures or anxiety. Common benzos are alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), lorazepam (Ativan®) and diazepam (Valium®).

How does cannabis (marijuana, weed) affect you as you age?

You are more sensitive to THC.
As you age, your metabolism changes, meaning you may feel the effects of THC (the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis) more strongly.
Cannabis can impact your memory.
Long term cannabis use can lead to memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with decision-making.
Cannabis can make your mental health worse.
Cannabis can increase your risk of developing mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and psychosis or making them worse.
Cannabis can increase your risk of injury.
Cannabis impacts your balance and coordination, which can lead to more falls.

Treatment & Recovery Support

VT Helplink is a free resource for Vermonters, providing confidential, non-judgmental support and referrals based on your individual needs. A caring Helplink Specialist will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one take a step towards recovery.

Call  or text "LINK" to 802-565-LINK (5465) or toll-free 833-565-LINK (5465).