Illicit Drug Use Grows Among The Elderly

April 15, 2002 Illicit Drug Use Grows Among The Elderly A recent study indicates that from 1995-1999, admissions for illicit drugs for adults age 55 and older increased by 25 percent for men and 43 percent for women. The study, done by the federal government’s drug and alcohol services information system (DASIS), examines trends in admission of adults aged 55 or older to publicly funded substance abuse treatment facilities. In 1999, this age group comprised approximately 58 million people in the United States. Other significant findings include: In 1999, 50,700 persons aged 55 or older were admitted . . .