Drug use among people in their 50s on the rise.
For many Baby Boomers, drug use that began in the freewheeling Sixties and Seventies is landing them in addiction-treatment programs decades later.
“The good news is that they may seek us out – heck, they’re already beginning to,” said Marvin Seppala, medical director at the Hazelden Foundation. “The bad news is, I’m not sure we’re ready for them.”
Research shows that illicit-drug use has been rising among people in their 50s even as it drops among teens. Experts say that aging boomers are now starting to feel the health consequence of long-term drug use.
Some older Americans, who have been smoking marijuana for decades, say they now realize they are dependent on the drug. “Pot has been my friend, my good buddy since I was 16,” said one longtime user, identified only as Ava. “I used to think this was a victimless crime, but it’s not. I’m a victim. They say you don’t really get hooked on pot, not like on meth or heroin. But I know I’m addicted.”
baltimoresun.com