Why Substance Use Awareness Month Matters for Older Adults
October is Substance Use Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the impact of substance use in our communities and to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and support. While substance use is often associated with younger populations, it’s critical to recognize that older adults are increasingly affected and often go unnoticed.
As a civil legal services agency, we see firsthand how substance use can intensify legal issues such as housing instability, guardianship concerns, financial exploitation, and barriers to health care. For older adults, these issues are often compounded by chronic health conditions, social isolation, and stigma.
Substance Use Among Older Adults: A Growing Concern
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance use among adults aged 60 and older is on the rise. Commonly used substances include alcohol, prescription medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines, as well as recreational or illicit drugs – sometimes referred to as “street drugs”. While many older adults are prescribed medications to help manage chronic pain, mental health challenges, or grief, it's important to recognize that both prescribed and non-prescribed substance use can carry risks—particularly when not closely monitored.
The warning signs—such as confusion, memory loss, or appetite changes—are often mistaken for normal aging, leading to underdiagnosis and delayed support. This can lead to underdiagnosis and missed opportunities for support or early intervention.
Why Awareness Matters in Legal Services
Substance use often leads to or worsens legal challenges. Older adults struggling with substance use may face:
Guardianship or conservatorship proceedings triggered by concerns over capacity
Evictions or loss of housing
Elder abuse and financial exploitation, which can be exacerbated by or hidden behind substance use
Barriers to accessing health care, especially when individuals are reluctant to disclose substance use
By recognizing the signs and understanding the broader implications, legal service providers can be better advocates and connect clients to the resources they need—not just legal support, but holistic care.
How We Can Help
At our agency, we’re committed to supporting older adults with compassion, respect, and a judgement free approach. If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges that may be linked to substance use—whether it’s housing, public benefits, or elder rights—we are here to help.
We also work closely with community partners to provide referrals for substance use treatment, counseling, and case management. No one should have to face these challenges alone, and no one should be judged for seeking help.
Taking Action This Month
Substance Use Awareness Month is a chance to break the silence and stigma. Here’s how you can get involved:
Learn about the signs of substance use in older adults
Share resources with family, friends, and caregivers
Support policies and programs that expand access to treatment and harm reduction
Reach out to our agency if you know someone in need of legal assistance
Awareness is the first step toward change. By acknowledging substance use among older adults and its legal implications, we can better serve our clients and our community. Let’s use this month to educate, advocate, and support those who need it most—because everyone deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, no matter their age.