Shane Lawrence, Pharm.D., BCGP
Director, Clinical Pharmacy, Phoebe Pharmacy
Although illicit drug use is relatively rare among seniors compared to younger adults, there is increasing evidence that prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the older adult population. The non-medical use/abuse of prescription medications in older adults is estimated to increase from 1.2 percent in 2001 to 2.4 percent in 2020—a 100 percent increase. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that nonmedical use of prescription medications is second only to alcohol abuse among adults older than 55.
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