Because baby boomers are well-established in their lives and often live alone, their substance abuse often goes unnoticed. The data, however, paints a clear picture. According to the SAMHSA, the frequency of illicit drug use among baby boomers nearly doubled from 2002 to 2013.  While there has been an increase in substance abuse across the board, the three most common substances abused by this age group are alcohol, marijuana, and prescription medications.  Drugs and alcohol affect the body more as it ages, which is why according to the Centers for Disease Control, accidental drug overdose rates are higher among baby boomers among individuals ages 25 to 44. Prescription medications are the biggest culprits of accidental overdoses among baby boomers.

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But another problem among this group is also emerging, those living on the street and being placed in assisted living and treatment facilities, bringing even more problematic drug abuse issues with them -- including cocaine, heroin, and over-the-counter medications -- and a set of attitudes not seen in this age group before.

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This workshop will explore the issues of drug addiction among seniors from multiple socio-economic groups, including the co-occurring problems with addiction, such as homelessness, criminal activity, sexually transmitted diseases, and financial exploitation.